We had four young grandsons when Bill received his ALS diagnosis. During one period of despair he commented, "I'll never live to see even one of the boys grow up." He lived less than two years following that statement.
When I visit Bill's grave, I tell him about the grandchildren. Justin (19) graduated from highschool last year and is still contemplating his future. John Morgan (16) enters his third year of highschool next year and wants to be a doctor. Recently, I attended a band recital where Sean (13) did a fantastic job on the drums. At the end of the school year Andrew (11) received three awards during his school's awards ceremony. All four boys are smart and beyond wonderful.
Bill always wanted a little granddaughter to spoil, but ALS ended his life before Emma Grace (5) was born. On May 24 she graduated from preschool. Today, she turned on her music, put on her dance costume, and entertained me with her various forms of dance. Bill would have loved it.
To see his grandchildren grow and thrive would have meant the world to Bill. However, anyone who has witnessed the devastating effects of this horrendous disease knows that it does not allow for the fulfillment of life's dreams and erxpectations. They understand that ALS shows no mercy.
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