Quality Of Life Comes With Love, Support

Dear Ann Landers: I am a 55-year-old woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a devastating illness that leaves its victims totally paralyzed. I have lost the use of both arms and legs, cannot speak or eat solid foods, and cannot breath normally.

This difficult time has been made bearable by the love and support of my mother and an amazing group of friends. I can never repay the love and kindness these people have shown me, but I would like to honor them by sharing the things they have done on my behalf. Maybe it will inspire your readers to do the same for others who are homebound.

Mary stepped in when my first two caregivers quit on short notice. She came to my apartment every night at 2 a.m. to turn me over. She also assisted with my personal correspondence and business. Lil assisted in my care and kept me company on many occasions. Mary Lee brought gifts to brighten my sickroom and read me books when I could no longer turn the pages.

Bonnie brought special treats, shared her video collection and brought arrangements of lilacs, irises and violets from her garden. Maria cooked my favorite meals and helped me continue entertaining guests in my apartment.

Kristin helped with correspondence and bookkeeping. Bruce picked up and returned my videotapes. Ray handled repairs and modifications to my apartment.

These are just a few of the people who have made a difference in my life. If your readers knew the impact these friends have had in maintaining some quality of life for me, then surely they would find it in their hearts to do the same for someone to whom it would mean so much. - Melody in Chicago

Dear Melody: You have written a beautiful letter that bears testimony to some wonderfully generous and loving friends. They are indeed special. But you must be special, too, to have earned such love and devotion. People don’t go out of their way as these folks have unless they care deeply about someone.

Thank you for a letter that celebrates the beauty of friendship and speaks volumes about you.

Dear Ann Landers: In Europe, where I lived many years, dogs were welcomed into the cafes and hotels. I thought it was time to repeat something you printed a few years ago about traveling with pets. - Helen in Seattle

Dear Helen: Here it is. With pleasure. Thanks for asking.

Dear Ann Landers: My husband and I run a small hotel in Treasure Island, Fla. A sign in our office reads: “Dogs are welcome in this motel. We never had a dog that smoked in bed and set fire to the blankets. We never had a dog that stole our towels and played the TV too loud or had a noisy fight with his traveling companion. We never had a dog that got drunk and broke up the furniture. So, if your dog can vouch for you, you are welcome here.”

We have three dogs of our own and are treated as though we have a loathsome disease whenever we try checking into a hotel. During the three years that our motel has been operating, we have yet to have any problems caused by pets. We urge all innkeepers to relax their policies. - Resort Owners in Florida

Dear Resort Owners: Thanks for the testimony. Badly behaved pets, like badly behaved children, reflect their training - or lack of it. I feel sorry for both.