March 10, 2010
Beth I Hear You Calling
Today I am mourning someone I never met.
On the ALS Forums, a sort of online support group for people with ALS and their caregivers, she was known as BethU. Not only did she have ALS, but she was caring for her husband who also was seriously ill. Despite these unimaginable challenges she was one of the most positive and inspirational forces in our virtual community.
Her posts were filled with wit, warmth and optimism, with the occasional dash of black humor. She was the voice of reason; when others got their knickers in a twist she reminded us all of the need to act with respect and tolerance. Her courage was humbling.
Whether or not she knew it — and I hope she knew it — Beth called on all of us to live fully in spite of this foul disease, and to live with acceptance. There aren’t many good things about ALS. But if I didn’t have it, I would never have felt the influence of this remarkable woman.
