Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – Day 281

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Good morning—and thank you, everyone for last night.

My phone blew up with messages yesterday. Over 70 text messages poured in, and I saved them all to read this morning. Fifteen seconds in, the emotions hit. Hard. It may take me a while to get through the texts and respond, but please know: your words, your support—they mean the world to us.

If you missed last night’s Season’s Sunflower Hour featuring our family, you can still watch it here (and yes, it’ll live forever on YouTube—just like a bad haircut): Watch the replay

It’s impossible to find the right words for what you mean to us. You’ve helped keep the depression, pity, and anger at bay by surrounding us with an impenetrable shield of love. You’ve made us laugh when we needed it most, offered hugs that recharge the soul, and shared slices of everyday life that gave us a break from the constant drumbeat of ALS.

You’ve brought meals that nourish us and give Cindy a rare, much-needed breather. You’ve stepped in as Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It, tackling the little things we’d otherwise have to let go. You’ve shown us—again and again—what it truly means to be a friend. You haven’t pulled away. You’ve leaned in. Circled us. Held us up.

This is not hyperbole: your love is incredible.
You’ve even reached into your wallets, helping fund a cure for this shitty disease. My hope? Sooner rather than later.

There’s more to say, but I’m overwhelmed. Still reeling. Shocked by how many people showed up for the live broadcast. I know I promoted it hard (sorry, not sorry), but I honestly didn’t expect this many of you to tune in. Who wants to spend an hour watching a show about ALS?

Turns out…you do.

This morning, my emotions are all over the place. I’m typing and wiping (my eyes, not anything else—just to be clear), and feeling deeply blessed to have this tribe of friends and family who keep showing up for us. The first text I read this morning stopped me in my tracks. Just a simple message about friendship:

“Good people attract good people into their orbit.”

That one broke me. You are all such good people. We’re lucky to have you in our life.

There’s one thing I want to clarify from last night’s show—something about my answer regarding Nicole and Alex. I don’t remember the exact question, but it was along the lines of: “What are you most proud of?” or “What do you admire most about your kids?”

My response came out a little…flippant. I joked about them finishing college in four years (compared to my nine), their early career success, and their great partners. I even said something about there being no beds left for them at home.

Here’s the truth: I said what I had to say. Because if I’d opened the floodgates and talked about how much I truly love and admire them, the show would’ve come to a screeching, tearful halt. Every time I try to put that love into words, the emotions take over—my voice cracks, my lips tremble, and nothing coherent comes out. So instead, I reached for something light. That was my way of getting through it.

Last night I compromised, Nicole stayed over and Alex drove back to Highwood. Nicole flies home this morning. And yes, they’re both welcome back anytime. Just…not for more than a week. (House rules.)

Thank you again for watching, listening, loving, and walking this journey with us. I hope I can find a way to show how much your support means—because you mean everything.

Have a great Wednesday.

Love you guys.❤️ Always.