Hello! My name is Heidi Good Swiacki. I have been married to Steve for 25 years, which has been filled with laughter, trust and love. We have 2 great kids, Ashton 22 and Chris 16. I have ALS, aka Lou Gehrigs Disease. I was officially diagnosed March '05, I was just turning 45. This blog will be about a myriad of topics. I will share my ALS story which will hopefully encourage others. It will show that quality of life comes in many forms. I have to tell you up front that there will be some spiritual references. Don't be afraid or turned off by that. Since I have had ALS I have seen many miracles. Let's be realistic, who can be a happy, non-verbal,ventilated quadriplegic without Faith? I hope you will join me and make this an interesting, educational, inspirational forum. Humor and the ability to enjoy life is required! :)


Heidi passed away 3-25-13 :(


August 4, 2013

Hello, Steve here. To help with the healing process, I am going to continue on with Heidi's blog, primarily talking about our lives and how we as a family are learning to live on with Heidi's memories pushing us forward. Topics covered will be geared towards the affects ALS has on loved ones.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

A Thankful Moment

It's a cool 68 and blustery day, this Saturday. Some sun, a true fall day. Kind of a nice change to see a season on the central coast. This is the kind of day I like to stay cozy in my bed.

Steve offers to put me in my chair, bundle up and sit outside and watch him wash the cars. Contrary to what I prefer I jump at this offer! This is a true act of LOVE in my book. It's a tricky task to get me from bed to wheelchair, with two vents, etc. It's not something he does often because the weekend is time for him to rest and relax. Every time we do it, it's a refresher course. One of my nightime caregivers, Annie, stayed late to help and learn.

Steve did splendidly and now refers to himself as the "chair god", King for a day.

I must say, it was cold out, but we cruised around our neighborhood a few times and enjoyed the sunshine, Santa Ynez mountains and the blue skies dotted with fluffy white clouds.

In that short 3 hours there is so much to be thankful for. Great weather at the right time, Annie here to help me get ready, a patient husband that wanted to spend time with me, to be able to drink in the beauty of our surroundings. I feel very fortunate that I have the equipment and support to enjoy life, this is what it is all about .

If you are the host/cook this Thanksgiving, remember to slow down a little and enjoy your surroundings and family /friends.We are truly blessed.

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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 19, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Heidi
    Beautiful words from a beautiful women! Thank you so much for your posts. I am thankful for friends like you.
    Babbette

    ReplyDelete
  2. Corinne Corrigan DanielsNovember 20, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    Can't remember the last time I or anyone in my family washed the cars! Guess that is living in New England. Cars have a rim of sand and salt around the bottom many months of the year. We had our freak October snow storm but lately have enjoyed truly ideal NE fall conditions - perfect for football and tailgates and making piles of leaves. I am grateful for so many things, including knowing you, Heidi. Happy Thanksgiving. Corinne

    ReplyDelete
  3. Audrey Dragavon SmedleyNovember 21, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Heidi - I absolutely love your blog. Thank YOU for the inspiration!
    Audrey (Dragavon) Smedley

    ReplyDelete

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