Early Mornings

Early Mornings

In my mind today, I’m thinking about early mornings. Recently my daughter has been having to arrive at school by 7 am. She’s a junior and has so many responsibilities from Student Council, Model U.N., Journalism, and choir. She’s busy, busy. I’m so very proud of her.

When she has early mornings, the whole house has to wake up with her. My husband is the Ring Leader of our Alley circus. He gets the lift and places me in my chair. Then we roll into the kitchen for medicines, coffee, and breakfast. We talk while Abbey scurries around. Ben, my middle son, then puts me on my “throne.” He and Ken then tag team to clean me up and put me back together in my chair. Sounds like “Humpty Dumpty” but my brokenness can’t be fixed. We then say our goodbyes and I settle into my little nook to read, pray, reflect, and write barring any choking spells.

All in all, we handle our mornings pretty gracefully. I’m so blessed to have a family that wants me here. Sometimes I feel selfish and want it to end so they can be more “normal.” When I become Dismal Sal, they reassure me that they want me here. Once I said, “It’s time for me to fly.” And now when I become somber they say, “Dad, she’s dismal! She’s trying to fly again!” The whole living with ALS is so comedic at times we laugh until we cry. You have to laugh.

The other day I received a wonderful card from an amazing friend. It said, “If I could wave a magic wand…” and it was so endearing. Yes, if we could wave a magic wand a lot of hurts would vanish for sure. Struggles in illnesses would be non-existent. Then I thought, where would our inspiration and gumption to carry on despite donning a bald head from battling cancer or twisting bodies from muscular dystrophies? At our lowest moments, we impact others on an inexplicable level. It propels the human race to be kinder, more understanding, and love more deeply. Our suffering is used for a greater purpose. Many of us battling with diseases and disabilities, embrace our cross and bear it for the good of mankind. Blessings then flow abundantly. Yes, it’s hard living in a broken body but it feels so good to know God uses it for the greater good. That’s all that really matters in the end.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Dedicated to Delores, LJ, Robert, Tracy, Callie, Peggy, Butch S., Gale, and all those who are inspirations to mankind.

Quotes of the Day:

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
Helen Keller

“To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”
Nelson Mandela

Author: showtunessal

Me! I am a retired teacher. I taught 20 years. I retired because of my weakened condition but my mind is afire. I read, write, reflect, and write every day. My POV is usually as a teacher but not always. I have a bucket list and on it is to be a published author. I have many books to write. I want a cure for ALS. I want to spread LOVE. I want my maker to use me until I'm completely exhausted. Life is for living. "Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon View all posts by showtunessal