I need a drink....

**LingSter** · 07-30-2014 08:07

Anyone up for a pint?

Sometimes you need to sit down and have a stiff one. sometimes life makes it that way. Today, I share with you, my fellow fliers a sad story. Mine.

Last October I had received some terrible news. Some of which is the hardest anyone would ever get. My Wife, struggling with being able to walk and move well, was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gherig's Disease. A fatal disease with a 2-5 year life expectancy after diagnosis. I have watched these past months.. watched as she has slowly deteriorated. My wife of 14 years turned 43 last April. She continues on with living with the inevitable.

It's caused me to step back from many things. My Wings stuff that I do, my other games that I do, and so forth. Being a full time caregiver is difficult work and sad at the same time. We've met some amazing people on this journey, and lost a few as well... and it's not over yet. We've had to change priorites with life. My original car is gone, changed for a Mobility van so that she can use her wheelchair wherever we go. (We even set up a gofundme site to help offset the cost). We've got a ramp on the house, and some other modifications inside the house going on to help with the ease of her mobility.

I can keep any of you interested, up to date on things going on. I felt that this was needed to share because I've been absent of late and this isn't you're typical "same od joke" that you hear on other fronts. This is real and devastating. so Come on over and I'll pop the cork on that bottle and we'll share a pint together...

And yes, the map will get finished. I've got help.

**Nightbomber** · 07-30-2014 08:44

Sad story and a very difficult life you both lead. I am gonna share a bottle or two with you Sir with pleasure. You need a time off, definitely. It is hard to understand why some not old people must suffer such awful diseases. I am happy me and my closest are healthy and it is a Treasure. Some medical operations did not ruin my 70+ parents' life as well and they are both active. But there is a suffering and harsh life all around. I am sure you will get along better if you share your stories here with us. Keep us updated.
And do not give up playing WoG or other games. Is your wife a gamer? I bet she should be. WoG therapy? Why not. It works.
Check this:
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...hlight=therapy
Andy.

**Blackronin** · 07-30-2014 09:08

John, it takes courage to share grief and to face the injustice of live and keep going.
I'll be here.
Take your time.

**Jager** · 07-30-2014 09:29

Life is indeed harsh at times, and though a lot of the time it may not feel like it, I realize that I have things pretty good. I grieve for you, having a small taste of it with my father's last year (which was not too bad, until near the unexpected end), and can only offer you my prayers and thoughts. I admire the strength and love you have for this. We'll be here for you, when you need to talk.
And we'll always have the OC for a drink.
Karl

**flash** · 07-30-2014 09:35

Sorry to hear that John, it's awful to see loved ones in pain and struggling with things that once were natural and easy; more so with the knowledge that they will not be getting better. So if it helps lets pull up a seat and share a cold one

**OldGuy59** · 07-30-2014 11:47

John,
Difficult to say what is worse, loosing someone quickly, or slowly. My father fought cancer for a year, slowly loosing abilities and function as the cancer spread. I did see him many times over that period, and think that we had time to say everything that needed to be said ( I was in the military and was posted away). I remember watching "October Sky" with him, and having the opportunity to tell him he was my hero.

When he passed away, I found out just how true that was. He never gave up, he never gave in. He was always positive, despite set-back after set-back, smiling and joking with everyone. Being a physically active man all his life, and taking great pleasure in using his body for sport, cancer slowly took everything away. He never showed the frustration and always maintained his dignity. He was an awesomely brave man to the end.

I can not relate to you in your situation with your Better Half. Only share that which I know, that there is a hole in my life where my father once was. However, I constantly remember the things he taught me, and thank him for teaching me them. I look at the positive, and try to emulate him when faced with adversity. I hope to be half as good.

All my thoughts and positive energy goes to you, John. Take any time you can get, and build great memories.

Mike

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 07-30-2014 11:58

Dear John.
It is always hard to lose those whom you love, especially when the going is protracted and they slip away from you bit by bit.
Grasp every minute and treasure every memory in your heart. None of that will be taken from you.
I will be glad to hear from you either on site or by P.M. at any time.
A glass will be drunk with you in spirit this evening old chap.
Use the time left to you both to the full.
Rob.

**Naharaht** · 07-30-2014 14:43

You have my sympathies, John. That is so sad. I have had my elderly mother living with me for the last four years but her condition in not as bad as your wife's sounds.

**Boney10** · 07-30-2014 14:57

So sorry to hear your story John, when you need a shoulder, pop over to the mess, I'll lend you one.
Ill join you for that beer mate.

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 07-30-2014 15:11

Whenever you are in need,
We'll be there.
Whenever you call out,
We'll be there.
Whenever your heart bleeds,
We'll be there.
Whenever you're in doubt,
We'll be there.

You are not alone my friend. Your wingmen will always be flying with you.

**gully_raker** · 07-30-2014 16:06

John so very sorry to hear of you & your dear wife's misfortune!

I will keep her in my prayers & will meet you in the Bar any time you need a friend with which to have a soothing drink!

Please keep us posted on the matter.

**Archidamus** · 07-31-2014 02:21

My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

**Sulring** · 07-31-2014 04:23

So terribly sorry to hear of your wife's illness, John.
Last year I lost a dear aunt to Alzheimer's, and I know how helpless and frustrated one can feel at a time like this. I found that the love and support of family and friends are especially important, and help you deal with the bad stuff.
Whenever you need to talk, we'll be here.

**LingSter** · 07-31-2014 05:13

thanks for all the comforting words. A drink for all!

Worst of all is my gaming time. it's not much at all anymore. I think the last time I played WoG was after Series 5. Though I have picked up all of series 7 and finally completed series 6.

I just need to aquire the series 2 repaints when they arrive, and the new painted bombers. still going to collect at the very least until things change.