We recently returned from a visit to Laurent's brother, Jon, and his wife in Minnesota over New Years. We had a wonderful time and I was struck once more with the positive attitude and indomitable spirit of the two. If you haven't had a chance to read their blog, Neu_ology, you will want to do so. Jon was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease in 2013. On the pages of their blog, you can read their words of wisdom, humorous quips, and unique perspective on life. On my page today, however, I wanted to share some of the stories from our brief week with them that touched me and buoyed my spirit.
Lightning Fast Reactions
The first day we arrived, I got out my camera as usual to take pictures of everyone. Pretty much everyone in the family knows that I'm going to take pictures of our gatherings. I can't help myself. I want to remember as many of the moments as I can, and I love the challenge of trying to capture special memories. I'm definitely an amateur, but gratefully my family puts up with me while I practice. On this particular day I had gotten a new camera recently and was showing it to Jon. While standing next to him, the tiny lens cap on my mirror-less camera fell off and landed on Jon's arm laying on his wheel chair arm rests. Since Jon is unable to move any part of his body except one finger to drive his wheel chair and his head, I reached down to pick up the lens. With a twinkle in his eye, Jon turned his head toward me and laughingly quipped, "Did you see how fast my arm reached out to catch that lens cap?" And then he flashed me one of his famous Jon Neu charming grins! What an example he is of maintaining a positive attitude and sharing his wit and humor with us even in the midst of trials that would sink many of us. I am truly grateful for his example and cheerfulness!
Dynamic Duo
  This picture of Jon and Anne was taken on New Years Eve celebrating at his sister's house in Minnesota. While I have been highlighting Jon's example and cheerfulness, let me not forget to thank Anne for her incredible spirit. She is an amazing woman who demonstrates strength, compassion, and an equally indomitable spirit. Like two sisters, she and I stayed up some nights talking into the wee hours of the morning, and I appreciate her insight and love. She truly is a remarkable woman! |  Another aspect of the Neu family I observed while visiting, was how well Jon and Anne work together. I assume each one has less than stellar days like most of us, but all who know them witness everyday how well they roll with things and continue forward with happiness and joy. These photos illustrate just a bit of the dynamic duo in action. Jon and Anne teamed up to play Pinochle with members of the family. We all know how much Jon loves to play games! Incidentally, when he is not participating in a live game, he plays friends and families virtually through an online board game web site with his eye-tracking computer TOBII.  |
Show Some Flare If you gotta be stuck in a wheel chair and unable to move, why not show a bit of flare while doing it, right?! We all loved Jon's new Darth Vader slippers. Like many of us, Jon and his family saw the new Star Wars movie in the theater and had to add these to his wardrobe. |  Jon sporting his Hawaiian shirt and gray cap at the New Years Party. |
"You made us all cry!"
 |  |
Perhaps the highlight of the visit was attending the baptism of their daughter, Katie. Her older brother, Jacob, performed the baptism while Jon acted as a witness. Following the baptism, Katie sat on Jon's lap as the men in the circle placed Jon's hands upon her head and held them there while Jon performed the confirmation. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the room as Jon spoke lovingly and pronounced a blessing on her. We are truly grateful to have been in attendance and witness this beautiful experience.