I wanted to say thanks to all involved for making such an awesome gift to my ailing father, and my family. For anyone that doesn't know, I received a call from Jesse during Gun season, offering a Bowhunt for my father and I over in Richland county with Hoytmania I think? I hope Im getting these details right. I talked to my parents and Dad had already lost so much strength that he didn't feel like he was able to do it. He had a ton of test's and whatnot and family coming in he just didn't think he could. A few days later Jesse got ahold of me with another gracious offer. They had a connection with a professional photographer (I believe Adam, 5Cent's In Law) to come to my Parents and do a series of family pictures. Right away I knew it would be something that my father would be thrilled with, and sure enough he was. I believe it was shortly after Xmas that they came down and did the photo's. They were totally awesome with the ideas that they had for everything. We did some poses with Dad outdoors with all of us in the family that hunt in our Camo clothes. Some poses with my brother and I with Dad, and a large Family portrait. My Dad was so excited to do the pictures that mom said he was waiting in his Camo clothes at 8 a.m. and we weren't doing the photo's til 2pm. After everything was done my Dad was waving goodbye to the photographer as they left and I seen him getting emotional. But true to form, he held it back and went back inside and we had a pretty nice family dinner. A couple days ago Jesse let me know that he had some stuff to send me through the mail. Last night I took the 2 boxes to my parents and we opened them as a family. Everything in the boxes were honest to God just breathtakingly beautiful. The family portrait on what I think was canvas looked just amazing, and the pictures for my brother and I were just awesome as well. There is a series of I think 4 black and white pictures of my brother and I with dad inside beautifully done wood frames. The best part of the evening was the Thank You letter that was sent. I took it out and tried to read it all before breaking down, but I failed. But by that time everyone else was choked up too. And my Dad wasn't trying to hold it back anymore. Guys, it was the first time I've seen my Dad cry since my Grandma, his mother, died about 20 years ago. It was a little humourous after we wiped the tears away to see all the little 2-4 year olds looking at us like "why the heck are they crying"? LOL. There's nothing we could do to ever repay any of you guys for what you've done for us. All I can try and do is pass it forward. I know you guys inspired a few members of my family to do so. I know my Nephews and Brother in Law and I are planning a hand delivered assortment of "liquid" care packages to be passed out at the TOO Bow Shoot this summer.
While here I wanted to give an update on Dad. Watching what this disease can do to a healthy person in such a short time is crazy. My dad was a healthy 175lbs and in less than a year he is down to maybe 130lbs. He's lost all his muscle, but not his will to try and be free of someone else helping him live. He is on some new meds that are helping him slowly add some weight back on. They just recently did a sleep/oxygen test on him and are gonna get him set up with some oxygen that should help his energy levels. I should have started off by saying that the VA came through and approved Dad for full disability. They said his ALS is from Vietnam I guess. They are coming out and putting concrete walkways all around the house, puuting a back patio off his bedroom so he can take a hoveround out there, which they are buying him also. They are also buying him a new vehicle that will be wheelchair accessible. They are fitting the whole hous with ramps and lifts for him. All that has been great news and a big surprise for Dad and us. We couldn't be happier with all they are doing for him. Again, from the whole Fackler family, thanks to all of you guys for everything you do. God bless all of you guys
While here I wanted to give an update on Dad. Watching what this disease can do to a healthy person in such a short time is crazy. My dad was a healthy 175lbs and in less than a year he is down to maybe 130lbs. He's lost all his muscle, but not his will to try and be free of someone else helping him live. He is on some new meds that are helping him slowly add some weight back on. They just recently did a sleep/oxygen test on him and are gonna get him set up with some oxygen that should help his energy levels. I should have started off by saying that the VA came through and approved Dad for full disability. They said his ALS is from Vietnam I guess. They are coming out and putting concrete walkways all around the house, puuting a back patio off his bedroom so he can take a hoveround out there, which they are buying him also. They are also buying him a new vehicle that will be wheelchair accessible. They are fitting the whole hous with ramps and lifts for him. All that has been great news and a big surprise for Dad and us. We couldn't be happier with all they are doing for him. Again, from the whole Fackler family, thanks to all of you guys for everything you do. God bless all of you guys
. I am very happy to hear the new meds are making a difference for him and hopefully he can get out and sit by the pond or lake this spring and summer and wet a line or just enjoy the day being out and about with everybody. Sometimes the smallest of victories mean the most. I am also glad to hear the VA is taking care of your family and providing some of the necessities you all will need. Please let your dad know that my family and I will keep him in our thoughts and I am sure the TOO family will as well.
