For My Mom

 I spoke with my mom and some of our family last night and we felt that it would be best to include everyone who's interested, in this difficult time in our lives. As some of you know, for the past 3 years my mom has had some difficulty with her speech and communication. Unfortunately her condition has gotten worse and she's been seeing doctors for the past few years trying to come up with answers. Last week I went with my parents to the U of U neurology center and we spoke with a doctor who gave us a diagnosis, which we will do some further testing to confirm. He told us that my mom has a condition called PSP or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. In this condition, people are affected by paralysis of the facial muscles that control expression, eye, tongue, mouth and throat movement. This progressively slows the rest of the body down as well and ultimately causes immobilization. It eliminates the ability to form words and the ability to communicate by speaking. It makes it hard for my mom to keep eye contact and focus in situations. My mom's thought process and memory do remain intact and by other means she is still able to communicate with us. This condition has no treatments or cures. It is eventually fatal.

I believe I can speak for my family when I say that this has taken quite the toll on all of us, especially this last week. But I think that it is relieving in a way to have an answer, one that we have been searching for, for a long time. I am amazed at all the many people, friends and family, that have stepped up to help out. They have lightened the burden and I am so grateful for all of them. God has blessed us with so many angels in our lives. Thank you.

I have to mention one person in specific, who without we'd all be lost and has been so amazing. My dad.  He has a heart of gold. He has never left my mom's side and he never will. He's been the strong one, holding us all together throughout everything. He works so hard, every day and never stops to think of himself. He is the most selfless person I know. He would do anything and everything for any of us. I hope he know's how important he is to me and our family. My mom is so lucky to have him.

If anyone is interested psp.org has more info on her condition. We would embrace any help that anyone would like to give. Please remember to keep her in your prayers.

Now for the fun part... Here's to so many great memories!

 I love you mom!