(Close this window when finished - you'll go back to the main email)

I've been given some respite care.

When Marcy was in the hospital, my parents brought an application for $1,500 in respite care provided by Ride for Life, an ALS support organization.

They had filled out the application and had a stamp on the envelope. They just wanted to make sure that we wanted to apply. We did. I signed the application and my parents took the application to the mailbox for us. They knew things were particularly hectic while we were in the hospital.

Within 3 weeks we received a letter saying our application had been randomly selected to receive the aid. We had to find the local healthcare organization we wanted and have them approved by Ride for Life. Then the healthcare organization bills Ride for Life directly.

The nurse has come three times now. The first time it took 4 hours to show her the things she needed to do, but after that, the nurse has been able to care for Marcy.

I've been able to use the time to run errands that have to be done outside the house: emissions inspection for my car, put "For Sale" signs on the RV, etc. and to eat lunch with Darcy and Matthew.

It gives me a change of scene, but I think Marcy has enjoyed having a little break from me, too! (Can you imagine?)

If you are interested, Ride for Life also has one of the best, if not the best, ALS news pages on the web.