Ron had experienced his mother’s passing six months after her being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Now, over 30-years later, he has been diagnosed with the same debilitating disease. The unique gene (C9orf72) that is genetically passed on to generations that follow was identified and the battle was on.
His youngest daughter Rachel had an idea – If her daddy would not be able to dance with her on her future wedding day, maybe the time to dance was now. Here are her words: “Knowing of ALS and its progression, there is a chance we will not be able to have a father/daughter dance in the traditional sense if I get married in the future. In addition to having the best family in the world to arrange and support us, we have been blessed with some other angels along the way. Those angels are Sarah Craig and Butler’s Courtyard, Magek Photography, Jill’s Bridal, Heather with Southern Sass Studios, and John Propes at Hanger Clinic. It is because of these people and my family that we were able to have this experience that means the world to my family, especially my daddy and me.”
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, – Ecclesiastes 3:1-4. These words spoken through Solomon provide a grounding in the now and a perspective on everything else. While we may not like or even understand the season we are in, we are in it and are to glorify God on the journey. Oswald Chambers provides powerful insight with his words, “Do not think that you can be of no use for God where you are because you can certainly be of no use where you are not.” There is a time for everything and in everything there is time for glorifying God. In this busy world it is important to breathe in the Holy Spirit, experience joy in where He has you and take time to dance.
Ron has been involved in two clinical studies that includes a cutting-edge treatment for ALS. He has been candid with the challenges he faces on this journey while reflecting his love for Jesus the Christ in every conversation. He counts the blessings of his wife and two daughters as he is entrusted in their care daily. The family has rallied through personal challenges of new demands a father with ALS introduces to their lives. And he praises God for the prayer warriors across the country that are asking that he be the first of many to beat this disease.
Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your word and Your love for us. Thank You for the medical community that we know You have uniquely equipped for a time such as this. Open minds, hearts and doors to what reduces this complex disease to simple terms that can be thwarted, even reversed by Your grace and for Your glory. Thank You for this time to dance as father and daughter. May it be remembered as a great rehearsal when it comes time to dance with his daughter at her wedding. Equip my brother with patience and perseverance on his journey as a faithful father that embraces a time to dance where You have him. Amen.
A faithful father embraces a time to dance where the Lord has him.
Ron had experienced his mother’s passing six months after her being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Now, over 30-years later, he has been diagnosed with the same debilitating disease. The unique gene (C9orf72) that is genetically passed on to generations that follow was identified and the battle was on.
