Until I Say Good-Bye

01Living with Joy: Susan Spencer-Wendel's Journey with ALS

Imagine being at the peak of your career, a loving spouse, a parent to three beautiful children, and then, out of the blue, you're diagnosed with a fatal disease. This was the reality for Susan Spencer-Wendel, a 44-year-old journalist who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This disease gradually paralyzes people as the brain loses its ability to communicate with the muscles. It's like being trapped in your own body, fully aware but unable to move or speak. But here's the twist. Instead of succumbing to despair, Susan made a decision that would change the course of her remaining days. She decided to live with joy. It's like choosing to dance in the rain, even when the storm is raging. It's a testament to her resilience and determination, a choice that defies the natural human instinct to grieve and despair in the face of such a devastating diagnosis. Susan's decision to live with joy was not just about maintaining a positive attitude. It was about living purposefully. Despite the physical limitations imposed by ALS, she chose to make the most of her remaining time. She embarked on fulfilling her dreams, like seeing the Northern Lights and visiting Cyprus, the birthplace of her birth father. She spent quality time with her family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. She even found ways to continue her work as a journalist, typing with her right thumb on her iPhone when she could no longer use her hands. This purposeful living was not easy. It required courage and strength, a willingness to face the reality of her situation head-on. But it was also a source of joy, a way for Susan to squeeze every last drop of happiness from her remaining days. It was a way for her to show her children that life is worth living, no matter the circumstances. So, let's circle back to the question we asked at the beginning: "What would you do if you were diagnosed with a fatal disease?" Susan Spencer-Wendel's answer was to live with joy and purpose. Her journey teaches us that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to choose how we live our lives. It's a lesson in resilience, courage, and the power of a positive attitude. As we reflect on Susan's journey, let's also reflect on our own lives. Are we living with joy and purpose? Are we making the most of our time, fulfilling our dreams, and creating lasting memories with our loved ones? Susan's story is a reminder that life is short and unpredictable, but it's also full of potential for joy and purpose. Let's choose to dance in the rain, even when the storm is raging.