THE RELATIONAL ASPECT (continued, again)

I’ve written generally about the relational aspect of this disease and have shared specifically a bit about how it has affected my relationship with my wife. Now I want to address another vital part of the relational aspect of ALS/MND—the support system. Aside from the spiritual aspect, this may be the most important in terms of being able to cope with the day-to-day challenges.

Nicky and I could not ask for a better support system Since the day I was diagnosed, our family, friends, church, and the school community where we work have done an outstanding job of coming along side and helping in all kinds of ways. Prayer support was immediate and has been consistent throughout. Emotional support and physical assistance are both always just a phone call away. And the financial support we have received has been overwhelming.

Beside the help with the speech recognition software and the head mouse that I’ve mentioned previously, here are just some of the ways that we have been so blessed by the people in our support system…
-We have received countless words of encouragement and Scripture verses from people who are praying for us.
-Almost daily we receive a note, text message or email from someone wishing us well.
-Family and friends organised a benefit concert to raise funds toward a motorised wheelchair and a van in which to transport it. Over 950 tickets were sold!
-One family from our local church has offered to cover the cost of my caregiver.
-The youth group from our local church dedicated an entire evening to praying for and ministering to Nicky and I.
-The school where we work put in ramps and many other accessibility features at their own expense.
-A friend is supplying the supplements that I take every day free of charge. And I take a lot of them!
-The pupils at the school have wholeheartedly embraced me and continue to treat me with dignity and concern.
-And many more!

Now I realise that not everyone has a support system like this, but I do believe that my wife and I are seeing two fundamental principles in operation within our circumstances that apply equally to everyone. The first is the principle of sowing and reaping. I’ve heard it said that not only do you reap what you sow, but you also always reap later than you sow and more than you sow. I write this not to blow our own trumpet, but merely to make my point. Nicky and I have strived to live out the values of generosity and self-sacrifice. And now I believe we are living in the fruit of this principle. It’s not to be viewed as a transaction (if I do this, then God has to do that), but rather as an expression of the grace of God.

The second principle we see in operation is that of the body of Christ—the Church. Like any other body, when one part suffers, all the others are affected. We have seen how the Church has responded to our situation with love in so many practical ways. As a good friend put it, “It’s awesome to see the body of Christ being the body of Christ.”

Finally, I’d like to respond to Carina’s comment on my 13 September 2008 post. Thank-you, Carina, for your honesty and vulnerability in the midst of what must currently be some very raw and painful emotions. I hope that in some way I can serve as part of your support system as you continue to deal with your grief.