Life is a Gift

Life is a gift is what I was always told.
So many blessings are given.
We wake up and tend to our daily chores.
How simple it is to walk, drive and do our everyday functions.

Then one day something seemed strange to me.
My breathing and simple day walking was not that simple anymore.
Going up a curb, what a simple task but for some reason not for me.
Getting up from a chair, how simple is this? Not simple to me anymore.

As usual I made excuses until one day I knew it was time to seek help.
Many tests were done and finally they said we could not do anymore.
You need to see a specialist.

January 4, 2005, I will never forget this date. More test were done.
Next I had to sit and wait to see the results.
Then came the news, “You have Lou Gehrigs Disease”.
What do you mean no cure?

As I go on with this journey I know life is still a gift.
I treasure each day more then I ever did.
I thank God for what I still have, not what I have lost.
My faith and strength from others with ALS keeps me focused.
We all pray for a cure and I believe there will be one.
So each day I have hope and faith that God will be with me and that’s all one needs.

Cookie Peckham
May 31, 2006