What a beautiful woman! In so many ways.... Thank you for sharing. My Morning Devo, written by another beautiful woman, focused on the value of the time on earth God has entrusted to each of us. Cai's time is well used, has great value, despite her affliction. We all should be so diligent. ❤
I will save this forever and use your experience Cal as a reminder of how precious our lives are. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of what it is to be living your best with ALS. I pray along side you for this new medication. I will be waiting to hear you sing.
Until I was 13, I rarely spoke. I listened and learned. My parents would say anything in front of me knowing it would go nowhere. I learned quickly that they would remake history of the events that just happened to justify themselves for acting badly. My grandmother loved having me over as I could entertain myself and didn’t need a radio or other talking device to clutter the silence of the woods nearby. It made me very observant too.
But when puberty descended, my voice ascended and as my grandmother said “the dam burst and there was no putting it back.” Then I became a normal teen with all of the accoutrements, much to everyone’s chagrin.
In my 70’s now, I spend long periods of time alone with my dog who makes lots of noise. No need to talk. When I work, I talk. But even with this, I could not image what it would be like to never have the ability to talk again - until this extraordinary piece. What an amazing woman.
I’m so glad you shared this piece today by Cai. Her words resonated and I really hope she knows that even without her voice she is loud, powerful and strong. I feel lucky to have heard her.
While praying for your return to “speech”, Cal, we are amazed by your wonderful gift for written speech. Even though you think you are silent, you touch the minds and hearts of everyone who is lucky enough to read your thoughts.
It was amazing to feel every element of my body and senses that the writer called out as I read. When I lost my sense of taste and smell with Covid, I missed and longed for the smells more than the taste. Once I got them back (about 2 1/2 months later) it wasn't long before those yearnings evaporated into the fold, and I went back to just coexisting with them without a second thought. I'm not sure how I would have reacted if I had been told that they will never come back. I just lost a HS classmate to ALS. We weren't 'keep in touch' friends, but my parents kept me informed of the disease as it progressed through her body and, when I saw photos of her, I always wondered what could possibly be going through her head at that time. Was it, "ugh, I look terrible, please don't take a photo" or more like, "yup, I'm here. Still alive. This proves I'm fighting as long as I can". Perhaps she was just grateful to be photographed with her sons again so they could have one more memento when she was gone.
I understand mainly through a clinical perspective. I am a physical therapist since 1982 with Neurological/Orthopedic focus and did my dissertation on ALS. I am also a Bible school graduate and Minister/Missionary of the Gospel. Singing is one of the most majestic ways to glorify and demonstrate gratitude. This is a deeply heartfelt and honest writing about life and living. I will pray for CAI and follow her story. Tremendously thank you for this post.
While it's not ALS, I, too, am dealing with a debilitating, incurable and ultimately, terminal, illness, for which treatments are in development (I'm in a Clinical Trial, as well), but still years away. This was a powerful reminder to appreciate living RIGHT NOW. Thank you!!
If I could speak again...
What a great article. It left me speechless. ;-)
Nothing like starting your Monday with a big dose of gratitude. I will practice listening more today.
Thanks Bill.
What a beautiful woman! In so many ways.... Thank you for sharing. My Morning Devo, written by another beautiful woman, focused on the value of the time on earth God has entrusted to each of us. Cai's time is well used, has great value, despite her affliction. We all should be so diligent. ❤
I will save this forever and use your experience Cal as a reminder of how precious our lives are. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of what it is to be living your best with ALS. I pray along side you for this new medication. I will be waiting to hear you sing.
Until I was 13, I rarely spoke. I listened and learned. My parents would say anything in front of me knowing it would go nowhere. I learned quickly that they would remake history of the events that just happened to justify themselves for acting badly. My grandmother loved having me over as I could entertain myself and didn’t need a radio or other talking device to clutter the silence of the woods nearby. It made me very observant too.
But when puberty descended, my voice ascended and as my grandmother said “the dam burst and there was no putting it back.” Then I became a normal teen with all of the accoutrements, much to everyone’s chagrin.
In my 70’s now, I spend long periods of time alone with my dog who makes lots of noise. No need to talk. When I work, I talk. But even with this, I could not image what it would be like to never have the ability to talk again - until this extraordinary piece. What an amazing woman.
I’m so glad you shared this piece today by Cai. Her words resonated and I really hope she knows that even without her voice she is loud, powerful and strong. I feel lucky to have heard her.
What a beautiful and heartbreaking essay from Cal. We do take our senses for granted. I’m going to do better on that. Thank you Cal!
Don't worry Cal. We hear you loud and clear. All the best.
This was a beautiful, poignant story full of so much gratitude. Thanks for sharing.
Overcoming life’s events makes us stronger and more appreciate if what we do have. Cai is all there!
While praying for your return to “speech”, Cal, we are amazed by your wonderful gift for written speech. Even though you think you are silent, you touch the minds and hearts of everyone who is lucky enough to read your thoughts.
Wow.
It was amazing to feel every element of my body and senses that the writer called out as I read. When I lost my sense of taste and smell with Covid, I missed and longed for the smells more than the taste. Once I got them back (about 2 1/2 months later) it wasn't long before those yearnings evaporated into the fold, and I went back to just coexisting with them without a second thought. I'm not sure how I would have reacted if I had been told that they will never come back. I just lost a HS classmate to ALS. We weren't 'keep in touch' friends, but my parents kept me informed of the disease as it progressed through her body and, when I saw photos of her, I always wondered what could possibly be going through her head at that time. Was it, "ugh, I look terrible, please don't take a photo" or more like, "yup, I'm here. Still alive. This proves I'm fighting as long as I can". Perhaps she was just grateful to be photographed with her sons again so they could have one more memento when she was gone.
ALS is a thief. Cai's essay is a gift. Thank you.
I understand mainly through a clinical perspective. I am a physical therapist since 1982 with Neurological/Orthopedic focus and did my dissertation on ALS. I am also a Bible school graduate and Minister/Missionary of the Gospel. Singing is one of the most majestic ways to glorify and demonstrate gratitude. This is a deeply heartfelt and honest writing about life and living. I will pray for CAI and follow her story. Tremendously thank you for this post.
Great. Inspiring essay.
Just a beautiful story for all humankind with something we can all learn from.
This was beautiful. Especially the part about calling her son.
Singing!!!!
Ugh this was great
While it's not ALS, I, too, am dealing with a debilitating, incurable and ultimately, terminal, illness, for which treatments are in development (I'm in a Clinical Trial, as well), but still years away. This was a powerful reminder to appreciate living RIGHT NOW. Thank you!!