I have beaten the odds.
The average life expectancy for someone living with ALS is 2 – 5 years. I am coming up on the seven-year anniversary of my diagnosis. I have lived an engaged and engaging life. I am a hopeful person living with a disease that is acutely soul crushing. My hope stands on the shoulders of family, faith, friends, doctors, science, technology, and a bit of luck
Mine is not a solitary adventure. I am certain I would not be here if it was. I get nourishment and, yes, hope from walking this path with others. It gives my life purpose.
However, in my selfish moments I have a significant supply of survivor’s guilt. I have beaten the odds already, and I know it. Whenever tragedy takes someone too early, I am reminded that, according to the odds, I shouldn’t be here.
I know life doesn’t work that way, but the guilt isn’t going away. I do my best to turn guilt into gratitude, and gratitude into purpose. Some days are more successful in that endeavor than others.
I’ve beaten the odds. I have to do my best to make each day worthy of the win.