ALS victim's brave words: Never give up


By Sauk Valley Newspapers
What We Think
letters@svnmail.com


Anyone who read Friday's story about a 69-year-old retired welder struggling with Lou Gehrig's disease had to have been touched.

Gail Olin was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, just three years ago, yet he already has lost significant use of his muscles. He can't walk. He can't talk. But he can communicate wisdom for the ages.

Resting in a recliner in his basement, Olin, of Sterling, uses a small chalkboard and a piece of chalk to write brief messages to family, friends, caregivers and visitors. The day our reporter dropped by, Olin was kind enough to visit with her through the written word.

Faced with terminal ALS, some people despair. Many, though, find the illness brings a focus to their lives they've never known. The disease spares the mind, and victims become crystal clear in their thinking. They look with gratitude at what is still good in their lives.

That was the case for Lou Gehrig, the great New York Yankees first baseman who contracted the disease and was forced to retire from baseball in 1939. He died two years later.

Was Gehrig bitter? No.

Did he despair? No.

Rather, in his farewell speech, Gehrig marveled at his 17-year career and was thankful for being able to associate with some pretty fine folks - players, managers and supportive fans. He didn't want people to feel sorry for the "bad break" he'd been given.

Gehrig's oft-repeated line says it all: "Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."

Olin may not have been a baseball hero, but he is a hero to his family, friends and those who read his story. Even now, he looks at the bright side. His wife, Rita, said he feels fortunate the disease came later in his life, rather than earlier. He got to raise his children and provide for his family before it struck.

On his lap-sized chalkboard, Olin writes messages of hope.

"Never give up, pray for healing."

"The memories make it easier."

"I may have ALS but I have a family of love - LOVE."

"I can't change yesterday. I don't know tomorrow. Live best today."

"If this world was love, not hate, how great it would be."

Profound thoughts from a man who refuses to be vanquished by a bad break.

We thank the Olins for allowing us to tell their story. Good luck and Godspeed.

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