Giving caretaker gets gift of mobility



Becky Rheault takes her new scooter for a test drive outside her Clayton residence. Rheault, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, received the donated scooter from Sharing and Caring of Rabun County.

By Chris McCaa Staff Writer
Published:
Friday, August 8, 2008 10:54 AM EDT



In a living room dimmed by drawn curtains, bullets of light seeped in from the summer sun outside that shined with a brightness eclipsed only by the glow of faith, courage and determination embodying Rebekah Rheault.

The Clayton resident, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, spoke of her newfound appreciation of life in a laboring, yet perseveringly defiant voice.

"I wake up, open my eyes, I'm breathing, and I thank the Lord," Rheault said.

The disease, which destroys neurons in the central nervous system responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements, is slowly robbing Rheault of her innate dexterity.


But thanks to a donation from Sharing and Caring of Rabun County, Rheault has regained the gift of mobility often taken for granted by those blessed with sound body and mind.

The thrift store recently provided Rheault with an electric scooter, allowing her to break free from the relentless grip of the demobilizing disease and roam with relative ease.

Linda Giles, vice president of Sharing and Caring, explained the charity's motivation for loaning the scooter to the grateful recipient.

"Becky needed a scooter badly," Giles said. "We thought if she had something motorized, she could get out, get fresh air and (go shopping)."

Giles said Rheault was especially deserving of the donation, given the amount of time she provided to those in need prior to being diagnosed with the disease.

She said Rheault, who worked as a volunteer at Sharing and Caring for about two years, displayed an exemplary level of altruistic dedication.

"Last year, when her husband was sick and she was (his caretaker), she was also volunteering down here," Giles said. "She just loves to do for others and has a heart for people in need."

She said Rheault's work at the store came to an end when her husband, John Rheault, who suffers from a fatal liver disorder, took a turn for the worse.

"John started getting worse, so she felt like she needed to resign and take care of him," Giles said.

But soon the tables turned when Rheault received her diagnosis. The caretaker became patient and patient, caretaker.

John Rheault said caring for his wife was his way of giving back to someone who had dedicated her life to her husband and family.

She took care of me for 30 years, so now I've got to take care of her," he said. "That's the deal."

His grateful patient spoke of an unwavering faith born from the dark cloud of illness and adversity.

"I'm in the hands of God," she said. "I'm hoping I receive a healing, if not in this life, then in the next."

Rheault voiced her appreciation to the organization responsible for providing her with a much needed mode of transportation.

"I wanna give special thanks to Sharing and Caring and to Lisa Giles," she said. "I appreciate (the scooter) very much because it will allow me to get around."

Rheault said she eagerly awaited the cool breezes of autumn, when she could venture out on motorized wheels and savor the fruits of her recently acquired mobility.

"I'm going down the street and into town, so you'll be seeing me," she said.


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