Jan Suddath Says Thanks To Everyone

Dear Editor:
Three years ago news@norman published a Thanksgiving letter I wrote to the community. Gary and I were just facing ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and all that was to come. At the time I was learning to be thankful for what I had as it was being stripped from me but had no idea what I was about to go through.
Now, I sit in a house that is not ours, alone, without my husband. The beast of ALS has torn through our lives. It took our home and money. It took my children's innocence. It took my husband and defeated the strongest (most bullheaded I should say) man I have ever met. So, today, three years later and three days before Thanksgiving, what do I feel?
More thankful than ever.
People keep telling me I "deserve" this (a night out), or I “deserve” that (a massage) but, by taking everything, ALS has giving me the knowledge that I "deserve" nothing... it is, was and will always all be a gift. Before ALS Gary and I were very normal. We were not thankful or grateful. We were always seeking, always wanting and never satisfied. By the end, my "work-a-holic" husband and I were incredibly grateful for people's time, attention and love. In no order and not all inclusive by any means what I am grateful and thankful for...

…My incredible children, Mackenzie and Dylan, who show me grace, courage, innocence and unconditional love.
…A family that surrounded me, lifted me up and supported me when it would have been easier to leave.
…Mike & Shay who, for the most part, moved in and learned what ALS was even though they didn't have to. People I trusted walked out and I was hurt until I learned the lesson - I lost the friends I needed losing to find the real ones on the journey.
…Anna & Ken who told our story from beginning to end to spotlight the disease in an effort to help raise awareness and end the madness.
…Uncle Bill - every trip from Mississippi was on your time and from your heart. Gary truly appreciated it.
…John Ball Adams III. You grew up with him. You grew wise with him. And you spent his last night on the phone
rambling for hours to a man who could not respond. He loved you, man (that was slurred)
…Unity Presbyterian Church and Amy Foster for three and three-quarters years worth of food - every Thursday. I have watched Unity grow from a church into a spirit.
Unity Presbyterian and all the other churches from Denver to New Zealand that prayed for Gary and the family from beginning to end.
…Sun Microsystems - and Rhonda - you didn't have to but you did.
…Lincoln Charter School which has supported my children through three years of growth - the teachers, the families and the administration. Everyone stood ready to help at a moments’ notice. It was a hot potato game of who was going to be holding the kids when it happened and you ALL took the chance and held them tight.
…The ALSA - You held our hands and gave us a voice. You became our family.
…The ALS clinic in Charlotte. Thank you - you made the impossible seem possible and also became family.
…Joe Martin ALS Foundation and Rusty - you came in a few hours every week just so I could go to the store or breathe.. you are angels of mercy.
…McKenzie, Holly, Tina. You didn't have to care but you did.
…North State Medical and Hospice of Lincoln County - you waited patiently and then fulfilled our needs. You made the end bearable when we knew he was done.
…Denver - the small town with the big heart - I can't even list or even know everyone who helped, prayed, walked, collected, supported, cried, learned...
…Tim Sparkman, Joe Gibbs racing & Doug Herbert Racing - " You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” - Winston Churchill. You made his wish come true
…The people at Everest Grill - I love you and always will.
…The people who took the time to learn what ALS was and decide it was unacceptable and needed to be stopped.
…Jen Mundy in Patrick McHenry's office. You see all kinds of issues come through there but cared enough to listen.
…The VA - for recognizing what is happening to our servicemen and taking action to help.
…Hank Parker, his family, his production company, the Exlines and the pro fishing community for the Tournament and the awareness it raised.
…CaKatey for my blankie - it holds me every night and sometimes in the day. It has given me a place to hide when I am scared and cuddle when I feel alone.
…Dreama, Kevin, TJ and the people at Westport Salon and Barber. Dreama not only came over and cut his hair but would give him the giggles when she would do a manicure or pedicure or whatever else she thought would make him feel better. The little things that pamper meant a lot to a man who could not move.
…The people at Just for You Salon and Spa. For two years I have escaped to hide in your shop... and for two years you have let me sleep as long as I wanted to in your pedicure chair. Thank you.
…Old friends who came back - new friends who joined.
…Sun rises, red and yellow leaves, a chill in the air, the time to watch a football game, the ability to go to the grocery store, the Head-Shoulders-Knees and Toes I have that work, clothes to wear and food to eat.
…and mostly to God. He did not do this. ALS is of and by man alone. God? He held me through this.
It's been a long almost four years. I know I am leaving people out but if I go much further Duke H. Norman will demand I buy ad space.
To anyone who is reading this, I am thankful. And I am not done.

Love,
Jan Suddath

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