Friend of FA10's blog

It has been while since posting on my blog. The reason is that my girlfriend Nicole was visiting me. She's also Catholic and we share so much else in common. Basically, I am so glad that I know true love because of her. I would have proposed if only I could afford the ring. No worries though, I am slowly saving up for the down payment. Nicole is finishing up a certificate in medical billing and coding and she plans on working at a hospital someday. I know one day Nicole and I will achieve financial freedom as husband and wife.

I have made a decision to propose to my girlfriend of two years. Her mother beat breast cancer a few years ago and she and her family have been an inspiration to me. I know ALS and cancer are apples and oranges, but she (her name is Nicole) has taught me how to be a caregiver for Kris because she was a caregiver for her mom. She is a wonderful person and she has a strong relationship with God. I can't wait to be married.

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

The good news is today started off as a terrific day. I went to a football game with my friends and I had a blast! It was a reprieve from studying, and it took my mind off other stresses as well. I have been lazy and lethargic for a few hours, and I am going to bed soon. I am grateful for a wonderful day. Thank God!

I am usually the upbeat one in the room, but this last week has been anything but upbeat. I am currently studying very diligently for a very important exam that I will take next year. I study best at night, but I am trying to be more of a morning person, so my sleep schedule is adjusting. Also this week was my first week of my leave of absence from my work, so there has been a major void in my life that I am trying to fill with activities like, studying, cooking and exercise. Everything would be a lot better if I knew how my friend was doing lately. I hope he's doing alright.

In the past week I have been participating on this forum, but I am unfortunately not familiar with ALS except for its paralyzing symptoms and other general public knowledge. My friend and close family member has been battling on the onset of ALS for a long time, and he knows a lot more about the disease itself than I probably ever will.

I feel very strongly about keeping up with this forum. Today, I saw that a member is organizing an ALS Awareness March in Florida! That's definitely something that I would get behind in a moments notice.

A member recently commented that I am a good friend and relative to FA10. I wish that I had enough time to fill up this entire blog with how much that meant to me, but then again I probably would stop myself short. You see, anyone can seem like a sinner or a saint when only a small portion of their behavior is known to the observer.

Today I called my father to tell him the bad news. Kristopher was in the hospital and all alone for the day. I asked my father to call Kristopher, and he did. Unfortunately, Kris was too weak to have a long conversation. My father lives on the other side of the country, and my parents are divorced. When I was a child, I thought that there was nothing worse than watching my parents get divorced, but watching what ALS is doing to my friend and family member has proven me wrong.

Hello! I am very fortunate to have found this place. I see a great sense of community and hope in everyone! I want to help all PALS and their family and friends. I made my first post last night. Some lady lost her husband, and I tried be comforting. I also commented that my friend is FA10. I know FA10 has been a hand full on this forum, but I wanted everyone to know that he has always been a really nice person and if not for having ALS, he would not be defensive about everything. He's not doing very well right now, and I hate spending another Christmas at a hospital.