I copied a graphic on my FB page that says, "What if the ice bucket challenge is a Catholic plot to baptize all non-believers." Yes, made me laugh out loud. Personally I think that's the best good to come out of the the challenge. No, I'll take that back. The money they've gained for ALS is marvelous. I do take issue, however, with folks being so light-hearted about a disease that's awful in the worst sense. I'd score it against cancer anyday, and not sure but cancer seems more appealing.
Some of you know about my neighbor, Lisa, who died from ALS back nearly 7 years ago (11-19-2007), and nothing has been the same since. Maybe I sound dramatic, and don't mean to, but there are some events of a person's life that are so stunning that you don't survive them without scars.
If someone doesn't know upfront how awful ALS is, then I recommend listening closely to anyone who does. Your body quits responding to what you want it to do. Picking up things, making your feet behave, going to the bathroom and cleaning yourself off, dressing, getting up from a seated position, typing, talking, writing your name, fetching the mail, driving, walking outside in your own backyard, and all the while you're completely aware of what's happening. There is no mental deterioration. You see how your body is deceiving you and how folks have to help and you can't do a darn thing about it. You're helpless. Not paralyzed, but your muscles are gradually useless.
So while the nation gets all happy feeling about dumping ice water over their heads, I just shake mine. Again, though, do donate. Hopefully the money will be used appropriately. But don't laugh. It's horrendous. To see celebrities patting themselves on the back over how cute they look all wet---well, it makes me want to slap someone.
The best thing, though, to come out of my neighbor's illness and death (for me) was meeting and loving her sister, who came here from California to nurse her. We grew close and she's like the best sort of sister to me. God blesses even in the midst of pain. Good out of bad. And for that I'm thankful.
