At PatientsLikeMe, we believe in getting to know the person, not just the “patient.” That’s why we’ve decided to interview a PALS each month to find out more about how he or she approaches life. This month we are pleased to feature Bwana a two-star member.
What is your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day is late in the evening. I sit in my garden and listen to the sounds of nature and look into the sky and think about so many things.
What makes you laugh?
When I was diagnosed with ALS right before Christmas, my daughter-in-law gave me a baby book, and the title is “ALL ABOUT ME.” In this book, I can write stories of growing up and put photographs, and I’ve even put some DVDs of my favorite music, anything that would help my unborn grandchild know what kind of person I am or was. One of the stories was about my two brothers and myself. We had a cemetery behind our house that we used to play in, and one Mother’s Day, we had no money, so we took a bouquet of flowers off one of the graves and gave it to our Mama. She never said a word, but we were sure she knew where they came from. If that had happened in this day and time, I’m sure we would still be “serving time” in prison. Writing these little things that happened during my youth makes me laugh. One last thing. Can you really tip a cow?
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
One of the things I think about – and no one knows this – is I’ve never taught my six children how to kneel down and pray. I’ve taught them so much about nature and other things but not that. When I found out that I have ALS, believe me, I went to my knees very quick. I am trying to be strong for my children, and I truly hope this will be the last lesson I can teach them is “how to pray.” Then this journey will have been worth it.
How has PatientsLikeMe improved your life?
When I was first introduced to PatientsLikeMe, I was completely lost and felt so alone and thought I had to take this journey by myself. Not so. I quickly met Dave, Bobby, TipaCow, Pappy, Jeannie and many, many others that are on the same journey. I began to read their profiles and progress reports and thought “what a group of troopers” and how nice to have somewhere to go in good and bad times. I’ll always be grateful for you.
