Tag Archives: humility

Getting Organized

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

Lately I have been almost obsessed with getting organized. Cleaning off my desk and editing file drawers. Sorting my closet to give away suits that no longer fit – either my body or lifestyle. Cancelling credit cards we no longer … Continue reading →

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Bah Humbug

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

  I find these days that my mind is racing far ahead of my body.   Objectively my condition has declined but not dramatically.  I can still walk, unassisted in the house and with a cane for short walks out.  I … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

  Thanksgiving has always been one of the most important annual dates for our family.  Since Roz and I first celebrated with graduate school friends as newlyweds 47 years ago, the fourth Thursday in November has meant big gatherings of … Continue reading →

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Discouragement

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

Feeling discouraged is pretty much a “normal” state of affairs for me these days.  Much of that discouragement arises from spending too much time looking back at what I used to be able to do before my ALS and projecting … Continue reading →

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New Wheels

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

Thanks to the local ALS chapter, I now have a bright red scooter from their lending closet.  Since walking more than a short distance has become a challenge, my mobility is greatly extended and it’s easier to get out around … Continue reading →

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HEARING

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

Learning to sit quietly. In a meeting.  At home. Living with my thoughts – It can be lonely. But think of conflicts avoided And loves not strained And listening without plotting. Now I hear.

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Saying Goodbye

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

This week we moved my mother, soon to be 94, to an assisted living facility in Massachusetts near my brother Bob.  She has been living near us here in Reston for almost 10 years, but the combination of my ALS … Continue reading →

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HUMILITY

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

For over 20 years I have been regularly attending a men’s Al-anon meeting. What I have learned in that meeting and from my brothers there has been an important part of my ability to deal with my ALS. Last Saturday … Continue reading →

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