Heartbroken...but not without Hope

I feel the need to write this blog tonight but, the words are so hard to write.  It has been a very long week for our family.  The girls are fine...this has nothing to do with them.  If you have been following along with this blog, you know that my mom's health has been concerning us for a few months.   As you know she has taken some falls over the last few months and has become weaker.  This past Sunday when the kids and I took our weekly trip to Greenfield, my heart broke into pieces as I watched my mom be in so much pain and have even more difficulty walking and her left-sided weakness was more pronounced.   We had consulted with a neurologist a few weeks ago and have been waiting for a follow-up appointment which was supposed to be this coming week.  We couldn't watch her struggle any longer and not have any answers.   After much debate, we took her to the hospital to get her some help.  The Greenfield hospital transferred her to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines where she underwent testing to try to figure out what is ailing her.  We did find out that when she fell on Labor Day, she broke her ankle.  The way we found out is a very long and infuriating story but...I will spare the details.  The broken ankle is the least of our worries.  After many tests which all came back normal, the doctors performed an EMG nerve/muscle test on Thursday.  The results of the test were not normal.  That day, we heard the words no family ever wants to hear.  My mom was diagnosed with ALS - Lou Gerhrig's Disease. They suggested we seek a 2nd opinion and we chose to do so in Iowa City.  Mom was transferred there Thursday night and today after another EMG, the diagnosis was confirmed.  We are heartbroken...no words can even describe how saddened we are.  Mom will remain in Iowa City until we come up with a plan to transfer her to a rehab facility to help her get back on her feet following her broken ankle and injury to her left shoulder/arm from her falls.  Hopefully early next week we will have her closer to home.  Although she is crushed in spirit and her body is weak, I know without a doubt she will fight this battle with every ounce of her being.  Determination is one thing she does not lack.  We have had many laughs this week and shed many tears.  We have met many people who have found out something that I have known for 43 years.... my parents are two of the dearest and neatest people you could ever meet.  My mother is a gem and you cannot help but fall in love with her.  I will share one funny story when one doctor came in to talk to us, his name was Dr. Gherke.  She never quite got his name correct...at one point she called him Dr. Dorothy as that was what she thought he said.  We corrected her and later as he was walking out she said, "thanks, Dr. Jerky."  Priceless!

These pictures were taken today while we were waiting for her EMG test in Iowa City.  I will treasure them always.  Please pray for my parents.  We know the road we are about to go down will be a rough one and we will hold tight to our God who will be there...every step of the way.  We are broken in spirit but, never will give up  hope.  People, treasure every single moment you have with those you love.  Tell them you love them.  Show them you love them.  Never ever take one second for granted.