5. Take a line from a song you love and turn it into the title of your next blog post. Let the content follow.
“Lean on me, when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend I’ll help you carry on…”
Maile has an adorable group of best friends that (like most best friend groups) go to movies, football games, the mall, and group chat over the phone. The first time I met Morgan she seemed a little unsteady on her feet and actually fell at one point. I asked Maile if she was okay and learned that she actually was in the process of being diagnosed with Juvenile ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). This is a disease most often diagnosed to people between ages 55-75, so you can understand how extremely rare it is that a young girl like Morgan would have it.
I have worried about Morgan from a distance because I haven’t wanted to overstep by prying into her life and also getting details from my teenage daughter is sometimes impossible. Teenagers don’t always like to chit chat about their friends. What I gathered over time was that Morgan was beginning to miss a lot of school, she has a key to the school elevator for special use, and she had a wheelchair to use when needed.
On Homecoming night this past fall, Maile’s group of girlfriends paired up with their group of boyfriends for the date night out. The girls came over to our house to get ready for the dance and when Morgan arrived, Abby popped her on her back and carried her up the stairs as if this was just a normal everyday occurrence. When the girls were adequately covered in lip gloss and bobby pins, we met up with the boys for pictures. Morgan was unable to clear a step and fell into the grass with her gown on. I watched Cassie and Abby balance her for the group shot. When I picked the girls up later after the dance, Maile carried Morgan up the stairs to her apartment in heels.
It looked a lot like this, but this was after watching a basketball game at the school:
Anytime I ask Maile about Morgan she looks at me like I have an unhealthy interest in her friend, “Why do you always want to know about Morgan??” Because Maile and her friends don’t hang on to the diagnosis like I do. They see a friend who is silly and kind and maybe sometimes a little annoying just like the rest of them. They talk about crushes and they squabble and they laugh at stupid videos. The end.
I’m so glad there is a part of Morgan that is getting that normal high school experience filled with chatty friends, drama and dances, but…I AM A MOTHER. I would love to make things easier for her. I guess I hounded Maile enough because tonight she sent me a link to a GoFundMe Page that was set up for Morgan a few days ago.
I’m so glad they set this up so that people (like me) have an opportunity to help. While Morgan would love a trip to Disneyland, it looks like moving to a location with wheelchair accommodations and customizing their car for wheelchair accessibility tops their list of immediate needs.
I want her to have it all. The house, the car, the Disneyland…all of it. I hope to see her GoFundMe exceed their expectations and I pray this group of friends will get to witness progress ALS treatments that will bring Morgan relief and healing!
The Prompts:
1. Share your top 12 blog posts from 2019.
2. Share your top 12 photos from 2019.
3. What were you blogging about a year ago? What has changed since then?
4. List the best places to find snow where you live.
5. Take a line from a song you love and turn it into the title of your next blog post. Let the content follow.
6. Share how you spent your winter break.
Patty says
As parents, I think we’ve all gone through times of wondering about our kids, even worrying, about how they will grow into productive adults and if WE are helping to guide them in a positive direction.
Maile’s kindness and caring for Morgan speaks volumes about just that and what a wonderful job you’re doing as her Mom.
Mama Kat says
We can add “worrying about our kids friends” to the ongoing list of things to be concerned about. Bless their little hearts! They just feel like they’re being regular old friends.
John Holton says
There’s no Linky, so here’s mine: https://thesoundofonehandtyping.com/2020/01/09/writers-workshop-a-class-of-74-gold-ring/
My uncle had adult ALS, and that was bad enough. I can hardly imagine what it’s like to go through that at 16.
Maile and Morgan’s other friends are very loving and caring girls, which is a blessing and an indication that their mommas raised them right. I’ve always felt that you have a beautiful family, and this is one of the fruits of your labor.
Mama Kat says
Oops, I added the linky!
ALS is just awful. I don’t wish it on anyone.