I painted Melanie in a bad light in a previous post, and I shall rectify it!!
When I said Mel occasionally gives me sips of a drink, I wasn’t saying that she starves me or leaves me hanging or abuses me ( much).
What I MEANT was that when I occasionally ask for a drink, Mel will hold the cup for me and take care of me. There, I fixed it!
Not that it is easy to do, by the way. The reason I don’t ask more often is the miscommunication that happens and I sputter and choke. But today Mel helped me with coffee and oh my goodness, it tasted so good. It was like an oasis, even though I only had three sips!
Speaking of choking, I nearly drowned Thursday night. I don’t know what happened, but Mel was helping me out of the wheelchair and I inhaled a lung full of snot! It was gross, and I couldn’t breathe. And when I coughed it out, it went right back! It was three terrifying minutes. Springtime is evil. Either that or I caught some bug. And to make it worse, it happened again last night. Standing there, unable to swallow, unable to spit, unable to inhale. Man.
My Kate made her first Communion today! Such a huge day in the life of a Catholic, I will devote a separate post for it.
I am also often finding myself at odds with intellectual giants lately, especially on terms of the faith. I can explain it, if Reader-land wants, or I can just realize I might be wrong and shut up.
That brings me to my last point. I am so tempted to just stop. To give up writing, explaining, arguing, expounding… All things I feel like I am supposed to do. There are so many smart people out there who are telling us to be quiet. And that is on matters of faith, let’s not even go into the abortion topic. But I feel like I am shouting into the void. Another noise to ignore. Maybe it’s not helpful, maybe my weird thoughts are only good for me, I dunno. What do you think?
Joe's ChronicALS 
Oh please don’t stop! At least, don’t stop because you feel you are screaming into a void. It has been such a comfort to read your honest assessments and logic. You have said things that I have said privately and you have given me a bit of backbone to try to be more vocal.! I truly appreciate your honestly and fearlessness to speak truthfully. We are praying daily for you and your family!
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I will second that comment. It was said better than I could have managed.
Joe, you have a knack at writing (I do not) so please keep writing and I’ll keep praying for you, your family, those that disagree with the topics you present and those that agree. Let your blog be a light to others.
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thank you, I need the prayers! I will try to keep on!
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Thank you! I will try to keep on!
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No,No,No!!!You must continue my sweet friend.When I am down and I read your words you always help me to continue.God is very Good!
Love & prayers.
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Thanks Mrs G! I will try!
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We have never met but I know some of your sisters and your mom. It has been very meaningful to me to read your posts. Partly because I knew nothing about ALS and to read your experience of it has been a blessing (an antidote to my selfishness) and partly because I have enjoyed your rational commentary on some recent Catholic issues. Your posts have been informational and balanced without being overly emotional. As far as your health issues go, it is a grace that you have been sharing what it is to experience the cross you are carrying. If you feel it you have never revealed an ounce of self pity (frustration yes, but self pity no) and that is amazing to me. Thank you for sharing what you are going through. You are a very gifted writer and your voice should be heard. I hope you keep writing and saying your piece. I will keep reading. May God bless you and your family.
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Thank you, that is very kind! I will keep n!
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Keep fighting the good fight – like St. Paul.
Also, I’m listening.
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Thank you! I appreciate it!
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And, I’m reading and listening, too.
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thank you! I appreciate your kindness and support!
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Dear Joseph,
Yeah, I know you go by Joe, buy you’ll always be Joseph to me. Don’t ask me why, but I’ve always thought of you as a Joseph. I read all of your entries, and I agree with about 0.0001% of what you have to say when it comes to religion (as you know, I was born and raised Catholic, but at this point in my life I’m a hardcore skeptic when it comes to matters of the faith). With al that being said, please don’t stop posting. You write very well and you make me think. There are very few writers I can say that about.
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Thank you, Chris! Although we agree more than that tiny bit, what really drives us apart is your love for IPAs. How could you?
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