Thankful – Isaiah Jacobs

Charcot-Marie-Tooth: Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving brings to mind many things in life for which I am thankful. Although I try to remember to be thankful every day, it’s good to have a day to focus on it.

I am very thankful for God and His Love for me. Ever since I became a Christian many years ago, I have seen God’s Work in my life in every situation even at times when I wouldn’t think He would do so. I am thankful that His Gift of Salvation that guarantees me, and everyone else who believes, eternal life in heaven.

I am thankful for my wife of twenty-six years. She has been an awesome help with my Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) battles and a wonderful companion to spend life with. Only God could prepare a woman like her to be the right companion for me.

I am thankful for my dog, Abby, and my cat, Samson. Abby is a young black labrador retriever who keeps me going. As I will share more details in another post, having a dog to care for every day has helped me to be successful in staying a step ahead of CMT. My cat has had his role too. Many evenings when I head to bed, my cat will curl up on my shoulder and purr. Somehow, he seems to know when I need some extra purrings and goes into an amazing-sounding purr mode. It usually helps me to relax.

Today, at 59-1/2 years old, I am thankful to be alive, walking, and enjoying life. The original diagnosis of CMT, lead me to believe that things could be very different at this age. In some ways, it is, but God has blessed me to keep going forward in life. For that I am thankful.

However you are celebrating today, remember to be thankful for the many blessings in your life. Take the time to enjoy family and friends too. They are the most important aspects of your life.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be Thankful!

This year, 2020, has been a very rough year for many people. However, despite some of its challenges, there can be some positive things if you look for them. I have had a rough year too, but I focused on the positive. Here are a few thoughts.

While my Service Dog passed away this past summer season. He was my bestest friend going everywhere with me. He helped me tremendously with the many challenges of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). After quite a bit of researching, searching, looking, meeting and greeting, applying to adopt, I have been able to find another dog who will keep me company, take me for long walks, and be the “dog happiness” in my life that only a dog can provide. Eventually, she will be able to help me with my health struggles. I will share more about that later. It is an example though of something positive this year.

Another positive to be thankful for this year is for my wife and her health. She has had some serious health problems in 2020. I am thankful for her positive attitude during the doctor’s visits and subsequent treatments. She has a faith in God which truly was shown throughout her struggles. Also, I am extremely thankful that her treatments were done close to home without any trips to a major city. My concern is my challenges with driving and having to take her to the city. Though I would have done it, I am thankful I only had to do it once.

During the medical treatments for my wife. our church family and a few friends helped make the situation so much easier by being there for her and one family took to us to dinner just before each treatment. It’s one of those PRICELESS things for which I am thankful. Each time, they brought a smile to my wife’s face. For that, I am thankful.

Yes, 2020 has been very challenging. It seems that every day brought new frustrations. BUT, as I said, look for the positive! It might take a few minutes to find it but you will.

“May you have a blessed Thanksgiving
with your family and friends!
God Bless!“

Happy Birthday To ME!

“A Tired Party Dog”
(C) Storyblocks, Used by Permission

Happy birthday to ME! Happy birthday to ME! Happy Birthday to ME! Happy birthday to ME! Every year on my birthday I like to celebrate that I have made it another year walking and enjoying life. I am now 56 and I am thankful for every moment God has given me.

Sometimes with the problems and issues, I have with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), I find life challenging. It seems there is never an end to them or new problems begin just as I have adjusted to the others. Sometimes I have to find assistance from a doctor. Sometimes it’s a physical therapist. Sometimes both. Oh well, that is the life of the CMT patient.

However, it’s NOT the end of the world. I learned to find the good in every day decades ago. My life is blessed with God, my wife, my dog, and my cat. Just like the past year, I will enjoy the upcoming year as well.

Happy Birthday to me!