PatientsLikeMe ™

    Mom is an older PALS (77 at onset, currently 81).  Dad is 84 and experiencing a few health problems of his own.  My brother and I are fortunately in a position to be able to devote time to help Mom and Dad deal with the changes in their lives.  (Our younger sister lives farther away, is in law school, and not able to participate as fully as the two of us.)

    My brother is a retired California Dept. of Forestry firefighter and spends a large part of most days at their home.  I'm an emergency room RN who hasn't practiced nursing for a few years because my husband and I started a business.  The business is able to manage quite well without me (due in no small part to the efforts of my husband, my daughter, my nephew, and all of the other wonderful employees).  I've taken a sabbatical from work that allows me to stay with my parents for 3-4 days a week.  The rest of the time is covered by hired home health aides and my brother's daughter.  Other than the nights I stay over, Mom and Dad are alone at night.  That may have to change soon.

    I've been dusting off my nursing skills and learning more about the needs of long-term care than I ever needed in the ER!  Mom still has quite a bit of function and speech allowing us to be able to communicate her needs and wants.

    Mom loves being on the internet, a new skill for her.  She spent a few weeks reading the profiles on PLM.  Yesterday she took the plunge and asked me to help her become a member and post her profile.  I'm incredibly proud of her for the way she is handling the changes ALS brings and embracing new skills.  (I can only imagine what PALS truly experience.)  I pray that I will live my life as courageously as Mom has and that she can always be proud of her example and her parenting.