Adam

Sometimes heroes are just people who handle everyday crappy things in extraordinary ways.

I had hiked the Smokies with him. He was an athletic snowboarder for many years. He’s only a few months older than I am.  And last Friday, I was feeding my brother-in-law Adam breakfast.

Life is not fair.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a thief. It steals your body away from you while leaving your mind trapped within what remains.  It’s as close to Hell on Earth as I’ve ever seen.

But if the ALS thinks it has an easy fight on his hands, it’s sadly mistaken. Adam has faced this with an amazing inner-strength.  And my sister, who I consider to be the smartest person I know, is quickly becoming the most wise person I’ve ever met.  I’m not saying both haven’t struggled — who wouldn’t? But my respect for both has risen off the charts.  They are playing a crappy hand of cards with amazing skill.

Both have secret weapons in their fight, though. Adam and Stephanie are blessed with the finest friends and co-workers (there is a very blurry line between both groups) I have ever seen.  (and they both have great families, if I say so myself). When my sister invited people to come over to meet with the nurse on how to help take care of Adam, twenty-seven people crowded their home. His friends built a track to help get him into the bathroom.   A coworker takes him to work everyday and his friends at work help him continue his successful career as an engineer. Today, Adam’s friends took him to a Atlanta Falcon’s game. It’s as close to It’s A Wonderful Life as I’ve seen in person.

Adam loves my sister with his whole heart. What else could a brother ask for?  Well, to be honest, one more thing: A cure for ALS and soon. Because right now, a good man is facing a struggle that he doesn’t deserve. That no one deserves.

My sister is lucky to be loved by a man like Adam. And Adam is lucky to be loved by my sister.

I hate the day that ALS cut into their dance with all my heart.