It was a beautiful spring afternoon seventeen years ago when I was seated on an examination table and the neurologist began to speak. “You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS. You might have heard it referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.” Without raising my head I asked, “How long?” Void of hesitation, his reply rang in my head, “Three to five years.” That marked the beginning of a journey of many changes and challenges. As I declined into paralysis my dependence on others increased. I have.