If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know that the last two years I’ve been the healthcare advocate for my baby brother, who was diagnosed with ALS a little over two years ago. He lived with us until he had a trach placed, and ended up in a nursing home simply because we couldn’t provide the 24/7 care he required.

I think ALS is perhaps the cruelest disease we have in our world. It attacks a person’s muscles and nerves. My once vibrant 190 pound brother wasted away to a very thin 120 pound man who was dependent on others for everything. As his disease progressed, he became unable to text us (the main way we communicated), adding to his frustration. You see, he loved to talk so that one was hard.

He fought this disease valiantly, not wanting to let it win. On February 5, ALS won and we removed him from life support. It’s hard to believe that’s only been two months ago. Yet, here’s what I know. He can walk again, talk again, and actually drink his beloved coffee again. No more feeding tubes or letter boards to get through the day.

The loss to our family continued when his middle son died. I’m so very glad he didn’t live to have to deal with that. I also trust my nephew has finally found the peace he always sought.

It’s times like this that sometimes feel like we’re being constantly hit by a tsunami. A good day, then a day full of sadness. I’m finally feeling like I can breathe again as I felt like I was holding my breath a lot lately.

How do you survive the tsunami?

I’ve been incredibly blessed the last few months. Friends came together to help me hold a celebration of life for him. Without them, I don’t think I could have pulled that off. They simply showed up, cleaned, brought food, and sat with us. Many friends who aren’t local reached out to ask how they could help.I will be forever grateful that I have people like that in my life.

I’ve also spent time In my journal writing thoughts down. I’m lucky to be a part of a community that has products like journals, which has given me a way to express myself during this time.

When we experience grief, it sure seems to attack our physical ailments as well. So yep, my arthritis got worse. Another blessing for me has been the ability to pretty much control the pain with my products from Jordan Essentials. From the relief from my magnesium lotion at night, to the relaxing nature of the Copa Calm lotion, to my Renew stick which has warded off several headaches, it’s been a tremendous help. I don’t really like to take medication so this has been a huge help.

There is life after a tsunami

Yes, there is and so we move forward. Sometimes a day at a time, sometimes an hour at a time. I’m finally starting to feel a bit normal again. April is a month of seeing things start to grow, planting gardens, and seeing the new things in my two businesses. I’m excited about that. I’m also excited to be making some health changes this month. Mostly, I’ll be seeking joy every day. I hope you’ll join me in that!

Be blessed,