Road Tripping With ALS

Our initial trip in June was a huge learning curve for Meg and I, to include missing some visits with persons with ALS. One individual that we had arranged to meet and missed was Julie Suarez in El Paso. So this trip we built flex time into the itinerary. We wanted to make sure that we met this time.

An hour and a half out of El Paso we connected and I offered to meet somewhere convenient for all. The message I got in return started with beer and wine, and ended with “my husband high jacked my phone”, with the offer to come to their house. I replied, “you had me at beer”.

They informed us of a park a few blocks from their home, we parked the RV there. A short walk later we meet Julie, John her husband and her cousin Jennifer in their driveway. We had River with us so they let us know they have fur babies themselves. Then they said something and I didn’t hear anything after.. “Corgi’s! I absolutely love Corgi’s!

They were just adorable, oh Julie and her family were nice also. Now about the Corgi’s…

I’m kidding of course. We had an amazing visit with Julie, John and Jennifer. Later their friend Kathrin joined, who has a family member living with ALS. We shared our lives and challenges with ALS, had a few laughs and I learned who Julie is. An accomplished professional in a variety of contracting businesses, to include government, private sector and local Civic organizations. This is who Julie is, not ALS. ALS is what Julie and her family live with and in spite of, like so many.

Meg and I have been blessed with new friends, more importantly new ALS family. For when whatever gene is triggered in our bodies causing ALS, we are now family. So in essence we are on a two month road trip family reunion.

J Reyes