Today my heart has never been heavier. My brother, Tracy, was admitted to the hospital once again, for having trouble breathing. His ALS is taking a heavy toll on his body, and I have to wonder how much more he can endure of the trauma assaulting his body. While awake and alert, he is in fairly good spirits. However, those times seem to be farther and farther apart.
We are not close at all anymore... at least not like we used to be. Our differences and changes in attitude have distanced us Nevertheless, he is my only brother and it hurts to watch him in this state of ill health, knowing that every day that passes brings him closer to oblivion.
There was a time a few years ago, when I was stricken with my brain tumor, that I though he would outlive all of us. Now it looks as though he will be the first of us to go. Everyone that has supplied help for him... including, Hospice, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Social Workers, and so many doctors and nurses have been so understanding and good to him.
My sister Tanya and her husband, Steve, have put their own lives on hold to look after him. They watch after him 24/7 and have asked for nothing for themselves, even though my sister is on disability herself, and Steve was laid off from his job and is currently drawing unemployment. They have done a fantastic job.
All we can do at the moment is watch and wait. I hope Tracy's girls can have the time to spend with him and take away something positive from all of this. Time will tell. I will keep you posted.
