We are beyond grateful to Darby and our friends for offering to help communicate through two platforms, this Caring Bridge site and our instagram page, liveliketom_2022. Our lives are forever changing living with ALS and we want to express our deepest gratitude for the tremendous support and dedication to us through Home Team's "Tacos for Tom" and the "Live like Tom" Refiniery event this past November.  Because of you, your genorosity and loving hearts, we were able to purchase a van.  Tom is able to truly continue to be a part of our world and we can make memories like going to Disney this summer with the kids.  It makes everything easier and more accessible to Tom.  One of his favorite things to do is go to Wyatt's football games.

This past year has been the most challenging, yet most beautiful, of all our years together.  As you know, we like to focus on the light and less on the darkness of our days.  With that said, we wanted to share a little of both so you can feel closer to us in your hearts and understand what our days look like living with ALS.  It truly  helps that Tom faces everyday with a smile and gratitude for simply just being here with us.

Some days are better than others as we face whatever challenges come.  We hope that Tom's body will continue to fight and heal through all his therapies and incredibly positive mindset.

This year Tom lost the ability to use his hands and arms.  He can no longer sit up in the bed on his own.  He CAN still stand with assistance thanks to the incredible strength in his legs.  His lungs and voice have weakened considerably and he uses the ventilator at night to sleep and throughout the day to keep his lungs strong and his booming voice alive.  

He is undoubtedly the most gracious, humble person I have ever met.  He askes for help with a please and  a sparkle in his eyes, even when he is frustrated and tired.  It has taught us all how to face our daily challenges.  With less complaint and more gratitude.

With love and hope-

Jenn