Hello lavender lady: just visited your thread. Firstly, I'm not going to start by pouring out my sadness, sorrow or sympathy for you! But I am going to offer you understanding, inspiration and direction. Yes, you have been diagnosed with ALS/MND. So what? Are you going to throw in the towel? I don't think so! Search for the power within your self. Look at the abilities that you've got. And they are many. ALS, never takes away the sensor abilities. Example -- see, here, taste, touch or smell. I too was diagnosed with this disease, 34 years ago! I went through hell and back during the first few years. With a wife and six children, under the age of 15, I wallowed in self-pity, why me I shouted! I was angry with God, and with the whole religious concept. And then by some miraculous and divine inspiration -- I was granted the greatest gift passible: "that of acceptance.". Today I'm a lot more disabled, but I am a happy person, willing to accept whatever God sends. I have lost all power in my hands and arms. I write with voice recognition and foot controlled mouse. I have lived to see my grandchildren grow up. I don't want sympathy from anyone. I want you to be proud of your self and remember. There's no indispensable person! Life itself is terminal. Go on now, and smile to the next person that says: "I'm really sorry for you." What could be more destructive to your self esteem, than someone saying to you: "I feel very sorry for you."? Keep well, my friend. Andy.