Movin' On

Well a lot sure has happened in a month or so. The front porch is done with a ramp for me to get my power chair outside. We are in the process of getting a transport van for me and the chair. It has a fold out ramp for me to drive into the van. We are leaving tomorrow to visit Vicki's brother in Boston and will return on Tuesday and then Sunday we are headed to Myrtle Beach for a week. We are taking a transport van to make it easier for me. I have added some pictures of my Mom's and my visit to my good friends Jim and Carol Graham. I misplaced these photos but Carol was gracious enough to recopy them for me. I went to see my favorite band Lynyrd Skynyrd this past Sunday night and was joined by good friends and family and had an awesome time. I will post pictures of the concert soon. As I always say, I am just taking it a day at a time and thanking GOD each day I wake and draw a breath. I am so blessed with loving a family and friends as you can see on this blog. Until next time, take care, Lee.

The Prayer Quilt

The picture noted prayer quilt holds a special place in my heart. The person standing beside me is Pat Edwards. I first met her through a real estate transaction in 1999. We recently got in touch and I told her about my ALS diagnoses. She has a friend named Eleanor Brown that makes prayer quilts through a ministry at her church. The quilt has strings and people come to the front of the church and pray over the quilt and tie a knot in one of the strings. This quilt has over 100 knots. The prayer note attached was : This Prayer Quilt is for Lee Linthicum, please pray GOD's will be done with my ALS, and that He put a hedge of love and protection around my family. Pat mentioned me to Eleanor and through love and thoughtfulness this quilt was made. Every time I look at it, my soul fills with happiness. My dock is done and by the end of the week my front porch and ramp will be done and that will give me more mobility. All thanks to GOD. Take care, Lee

Thanks to the Dock Buiders

Bob Copeland ask me if I wanted anything. I thought for a moment and then it hit me, I always wanted a dock. I drew up the design and one week later Bob was here. Bob recruited Dave Symington,Ray Linthicum,Jim Cullen and his son Jim and Daniel William. The time and effort that all gave can not be measured. There aren't words I can come up with that would express how greatly this is appreciated. So please take a bow, each one of you. I personally pat each one of you on the back. It is a job well done. The picture posted "Dock Gang" does not include Daniel so I am posting "Dock Gang Final Day"with him. I love you guys, now I am going fishing.

Keeping My Chin Up

Hi all, hope life is going good for everyone. I am still getting around with that 4 wheel walker and the ALS loan closet gave me a power chair to use. It does help save energy on some days. I just finished reading "A Painted House" by John Grisham. I read it in 4 days, which isn't astounding by any stretch but I have done no avid reading since 10th grade. I am going to start though because it helps to get mind in another place. It was a book that sucked me in and kept my attention and that helps. If you look at the pictures here you will see the dock gang. They are the guys working on my pond dock. I will be able to ride my scooter on the dock to fish so I am excited. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. They have been giving up their time for my special need. Friends and family are key in my fight against ALS. The comments and posts on this site are greatly appreciated. Well until next time, take care and GOD bless.

A sad day after my birthday

Today I got news about a friend with ALS named Chad Bowman passed away on April 2nd. He was just diagnosed in February. He chose to unplug his vent and he passed away peacefully according to his wife. He was only 34. I met him in the ALS chatroom where we hit it off. He was a project manager for a construction company which hit home with me because my job dealt in the same realm. I turned 46 on April 3rd. Birthdays are much more meaningful for me now. Well we are having a new porch with a ramp added to the front of the house. Also, a good friend has offered up his services to build me a dock for my pond. My brother and brother-in-law also offered their help. I am truly excited about the dock. It will assist me in my fishing to have a safe level surface to park my scooter on. It was 85 degrees on my birthday Tuesday and it will be below freezing by Friday. I am ready for summer. Mom came and spent time with me on my birthday and was a nice visit. I got my power chair a week ago and it sure helps on some days when walking is hard. Well bye for now and take care. Lee

Warm Sunny Day

Well today was 80 degrees and I got outside and enjoyed the sun. I went to my pulminary appointment last Friday and got good results. My breathing is better than men my age and weight. So good news is welcome. We have been house hunting. It has made us so aware how nice our property and home is. I think we will just add a ramp on the front and renovate a bathroom to accomodate my handicap condition. I am using a four wheel walker now because it gives me better balance than the cane. Again, I am just taking it a day at a time. Take care all and God bless. Lee

Sippin coffee on Saturday morning

The sun is bright today but they are calling for an ice storm after midnight. I am ready for spring. Our family has discussed selling our house and down sizing. I can't do the things I love or maintain the property the way I did prior to the ALS. I have had this place since 1999 and the memories will always be cherished. We have to do what is right for us and practical considering my limitations. So again, one day at a time and put it in God's hands. I have an appointment with a pulmonary specialist on March 9th to check my breathing status. I may have to consider a bipap machine to use at night. This does strengthen my diaphragm and in the long haul it helps. I watched two movies yesterday with Vicki and Erica. They were "Little Miss Sunshine" and "The Departed" and I would recommend them both. Well again take care and God bless. Lee