Well, hang on to your hats. What I have to say will either help you to know that there is life after being a CALS, or it will convince you I'm an insensitive a$$.
I'm a planner, so even though ALL of my life plans were ripped to shreds by ALS, at least I could enjoy the process of planning a new life, integrating the new life lessons into my philosophy, and finding a new career. I went to school to become a helicopter pilot. (Blood pressure killed that dream.) I went back to college to get a second masters to help me get promoted at work. (But I really couldn't stand being in class surrounded by "normal age" students, so I quit.)
For a year, I was sad in bed, thinking how horrible it was that Krissy's life was stolen away from her. (Then I decided to PLAN for ten minutes of grieving at bedtime.) Soon, I no longer needed time to think on it anymore.
I quit work, so my kids would have dad every hour they weren't in school. Shouldn't have quit, HR would have worked out a solution.
Sitting around moping nearly killed me. I got weak, fat, high blood pressure, and pinched nerves in my a$$, Spent a lot of money to make me happy.
I am very happy to take antidepressants, and see a shrink monthly to BS with him about the old days when he and I were in the service.
Now, six years after ALS, I have a solitary life. I might consider dating after I lose a lot of belly. Daily, I'm very busy, and go to the gym. Travel yearly overseas. Very happy. My memories of Krissy are nearly all very happy. No more bad dreams.
Wishing you all the best of futures. You deserve it. Your PALS would like to see you happy. Barbie, I'm glad to see you've got a good start.