Tag Archives: wisdom

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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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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Control

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

ALS has meant learning to give up control of my body.  My arms and legs no longer respond smoothly as I attempt to control movement.  My mouth and throat muscles no longer respond to my desires to speak, chew or … 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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SECRETS

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

We are only as sick as our secrets. How many times have I heard that – without really understanding its deepest meaning? As I hobble around and speak with my garbled and slurred new voice, I have started paying more … Continue reading →

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A Day in the Life – lived in the present

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Stuart Rakoff

I had resolved not to use this blog as a diary, just recording daily events.  But today has been such an extraordinary day that I will make an exception and give you a peek at what passes for living in … Continue reading →

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