[Dialogue] Fred's Health

[Ray Caruso]

Dear Fred & Nancy:
 
I am deeply moved by the news about Fred's journey. I am so grateful to be
on it with you both. We wish you the practice of mindfulness as your peace.
Staying present in every moment is a blessing we can share with each other.

We are so pleased that you both will be enjoying the fruits of Fred's labor
in Litibu, Mexico beginning tomorrow at my casa. In the last 3 years Fred
and (Nancy too) helped create a sacred garden in Litibu ( see photo) that
was inspired by the spirit of Sheryl. It is called the Serenity Garden by
the Sea.

This is a garden that Fred not only designed but got out there each day and
moved the dirt and a few boulders too. He will be able to enjoy the garden
where he may find his writing enhanced.

Our prayers and positive energy are sent to you both each morning.

Be well. Enjoy the garden.

Salvatore & Dianne

> Dear Friends,
> 
> Our lives continue to be full of adventure and and wonderful  
> relationships.  We want to share a new part of our Journey together  
> which began when Fred received a medical diagnosis  about a month ago  
> for the symptoms he was experiencing, one we had never imagined.
> 
> After seeming to "grow old" too soon and too quickly, Fred has been  
> medically diagnosed with ALS or "Lou Gehrig's" disease.  Since being  
> given this "new assignment", he is deciding what he wants to do in  
> the next months or years that he is still functional.  We do not know  
> just how this condition will play out but we do have lots of support  
> from family and community.  The best of all worlds, he will be able  
> to be at home with lots of medical and "machine" support.  We will  
> still be traveling; Mexico this coming Wednesday through 2/26,  
> Cincinnati and New Mexico in May/June, and RI soon after that.  We  
> would also like to be present at Fred's 55th high school reunion but  
> we will take life as it comes.  His breathing capabilities may be a  
> determining factor.
> 
> Bruce came out for a week 1/24-1/31 to spend time with us and the  
> rest of the family.  He and Nancy are quite sure they will be moving  
> to Vancouver, B.C. Canada sometime this coming summer.  It couldn't   
> be a better time for them to be close.  Our family had good  
> conversations with many tears and lots of laughter as we try to take  
> in what this will mean for us.  Although there are a few research  
> studies being done, this condition is very "mysterious" with no clear  
> picture of its cause and no treatment except one drug, its effect is  
> still limited. The book and video, "Tuesdays with Morrie" is an  
> excellent story of a man with ALS.  After watching it the other  
> night, we felt it could even be shown to children 9+.
> 
> I am ready to take on the role of primary caretaker and realize that  
> it will be a huge undertaking.  The emotional and physical energy  
> required is enormous.  Fred has been my life's partner for 50 years  
> and the thought of not having him with me is scary, this disease as  
> well.  However, he is seeing the rest of his life as very much a part  
> of his spiritual path and we will travel it with respect and  
> acceptance.  We hope to be able to celebrate our 50th "jubilee"  
> anniversary together, but are planning to begin that celebration  
> now.  It has been an unbelievably wonderful life we have had together  
> and with our children.   Our lives are very good just as they are -  
> we are loved and blessed.
> 
> You are all loved,
> 
> Nancy and Fred
> 
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