barbarakibler23

thanks for the kind words Sewbizgirl and djmat.

WMUTeach

Barb, I understand ALS and how it impacts the person and the family. It is not pretty and it is not always slow moving. My sister-in-law was diagnosed with ALS and was graciously given about 10 months for us to love on her. We, her sisters, dear friends, husband and all washed her, clothed her, fed her and laughed and cried with her. But more to the point of this long message. She was a master quilter and became my impetus to move deeper into learning how to quilt and not just sew pieces of fabric together. She left a legacy of beauty and fine stitches. I was gifted her stash, her tools, her books and a number of UFOs. Prior to Jan's passing, I had made a few "quilts" that were very immature in skill because I primarily made garments. I had little knowledge of the skills and techniques of quilting. Now after 14 years, I am the family quilter and although I am not a master quilter, I have come to find my own style that will be my legacy in quilts. I tried for years to be a quilter like Jan, but I found that I can not. I can learn from the quilts she left behind and am more and more impressed with her skills and ability to choose and use color. I have come to be at ease with my own quilty self and it all started with my sister-in-laws diagnosis of ALS and her loss of the ability to use needle, rotary cutter and sewing machine. Barb, I will add your family to my prayers in these coming days.

travelinggramma

If it is okay with Barb I will extend this to the 31st. I will be out of town from the 23rd through the 30th and will get all my mail on the 31st when I will post what I received that week.

Michellesews

My husband is in the process of diagnosis and ALS is the front runner. In one year he has lost have the size of both legs and needs leg braces and a walker to get around. He insists its a pinched nerve but there are many other signs pointing in the direction he doesn't want to face. The twitching, loss of strength in both hands as well as marked weakness in both legs...neck pain, trouble swallowing...it is heartbreaking to watch and know there isn't a darn thing I can do to help him other than be here for him. Of course I'm hoping we are wrong, that there has been a mistake...but deep down, when I'm alone at night...I know. I thought the Altzheimers my mother suffered with was the ugliest of diseases...but this is even worse. I just allow him to believe it isn't so, sometimes denial is a good thing I guess.

PeginCO

Michelle and Barb, praying for you both during this difficult time.

sewbizgirl

Michelle I'm so sorry. We never know the struggles and heartbreak our quilting buddies are living with until something is mentioned and a little bit more of our lives are revealed. I'll be thinking of you and your husband both, and praying for you. Stay strong.

travelinggramma

My heart goes out to the caregiver - it is a difficult job - and needs everything we have to do so. Keep you eyes on the moment and not on the other stuff.

Three more birthday envelopes
quiHerjody
Moonrise
Longview WA

bjsmith57

Sending my prayers and hugs to everyone.

trish b

I also send my prayers and hugs to everyone. I am friend and sometimes caretaker of my brother who has epilepsy. He does not drive either so all is up to me. He will be 70 in the late fall.

TPr9258

Pray is a word that is expressed through the heart, all of you continue to pray it keeps the heart alive.