Saturday, February 21, 2026 – Day 547

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Good morning, everyone.

Wow. It feels like ALS just met exponential numbers and went into overdrive. Maybe that’s reality… or maybe it’s my mind amplifying every change. Either way, yesterday felt different.

My breathing took a noticeable turn. Each breath requires effort now. I’m trying to be judicious about using the ventilator during the day so I can give my dry mouth a break, but that balancing act is getting harder. And last night… I won’t even get into what it brought to the table. I’ll just say when I hold my hand out for support and comfort, it always finds a tender loving hand to fold into.

I know this is the road I’ve chosen. I’ve tried to face it head-on from the beginning. But I didn’t expect the curve to steepen this quickly. When I start to panic, it only makes the breathing worse, so I keep telling myself: slow down, relax, let the machine help, settle your mind. Fear tightens everything. Calm loosens it.

Tomorrow we have our first appointment with hospice to learn how this process works. It’s an information visit. I don’t know what it will look like, and I’m not going to guess. We’ll take it as it comes.

Thank you for the comforting words, the prayers, and the offers to visit. I’m blessed to have you all behind me, supporting me over these 547 days. What we’ve done together on this journey has been extraordinary—and it’s not over yet. I just don’t have the stamina for visitors right now. I’m sorry.

Today I’ll carry on quietly and find a rhythm that steadies both breath and mind.

Have a great Saturday. Love you guys. ❤️

Today’s photo. Coco is a new superhero, Batman meets Ballerina to become Baterina.