The Yorrickles

Since my last post two weeks ago, my health has deteriorated further. I was not feeling well on July 15, so I went to the hospital where I received blood transfusions and antibiotics. After a bone marrow biopsy, the hematologist at Credit Valley diagnosed me with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), in addition to my existing diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The prognosis is not good.

That being said, for the last 3 weeks, I have had a strong feeling that a miracle is due. My two main issues are the weakness in my lungs and the muscles lost due to ALS. I would like all my friends and relatives to pray fervently for this miracle to cure me. Join our family on Saturday, July 31st, offering these two intentions up to the Lord and adding whatever you like – mass, adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, rosary, chaplet or any other feature that you prefer. Thank you in advance for your participation.

While we appreciate all the love and concern from our friends and family, we ask that you please do not spontaneously visit or flood the phone with calls, as we are fielding many calls from healthcare and caregiver supports. We continue to feel the effect of your prayers and positive thoughts from all around the world, and reciprocate them with great love.

Greetings to all our friends and relatives around the world. It’s been a while since my last update. There’s no way to sugarcoat this (I am diabetic after all) – my condition has progressed significantly.

As of this past week, I am unable to swallow, and now can only be fed through my PEG tube with puréed food and liquids – save for a few sips of coffee or orange juice.  My breathing has deteriorated to the point where I must be on the BiPAP at all times. I’m now completely confined to my wheelchair as I cannot walk one step, even with assistance.  I am transferred from bed to wheelchair to recliner via a ceiling lift.

The last 2 weeks have been psychologically draining.  We need your prayers for me to face this difficult challenge. My family has been an incredible support.  We are still praying for a miracle to happen. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.

On a brighter note, I was able to see my entire garden this week. It was the highlight of my week. I’ve also enjoyed the company of my third son, Jason, who is visiting from Miami. The family will reunite tomorrow for a backyard visit – certainly something to look forward to.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

In February, Jordan, Jana, Beatrice (4) and Theo (5 months) visited us from Berlin, despite the pandemic. They spent two months with us in Ontario, after a two week quarantine in our generous neighbours’ basement apartment (thank you Tony and Alice!). Their time with us left us with so many good memories, and we cherished the hugs and kisses. Jordan then flew off to London for a concert, while Jana and the kids flew to Truro, Nova Scotia to visit Jana’s parents. The video above is Bea singing with the talents of Joy Miller (Jana’s mother) on the piano for their virtual Sunday service.

An update on my health: my leg muscles are getting weaker, which has further affected my balance. 2 weeks ago, the new feeding tube came out (again!). We were prepared this time with a spare tube at home which Dustin was able to insert into my stomach and secure. This saved us another trip to the emergency and 4 hours at the hospital. Thankfully, the progress of the disease remains slow.

We take so many things for granted, like picking up a spoon and stirring our coffee, brushing our hair and teeth, using the iPad, scratching an itch. Heather and I still manage to laugh when she asks me to hand her her phone from across the table. Yet I sometimes wonder, why me? What did I do to deserve this? In those times, I think of my 70 years of good health and great memories. The love of my life brought me to this wonderful country, Canada, in 1973. Our blessings have been countless over the years. I sang and played piano every chance I could, played golf every Monday and snooker every Thursday, danced at every party, enjoyed all the jam sessions, and squeezed a vacation or two in every year. Heather and I have had the joy of traveling to 45 countries, taking 15 cruises, visiting India 15 times with family (once with 6 kids and 13 pieces of luggage!). Let’s be honest: if I didn’t have ALS, would I be receiving so much love and positivity from all over the world? This is what keeps me smiling. Truly, God is so good.

I want to start by thanking my classmates, Heather’s classmates, my squash buddies, our prayer partners, friends, and relatives from all over for your outpouring of support. Your comments, love, affection and prayers prove one thing for sure: my tear ducts are working perfectly. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Some of you may remember the family planning motto of the 70’s: doh ya tteen, buss (2 or 3 – enough). Heather and I followed that rule implicitly. We had 3, and stopped. Three years later, we had 2, and stopped. Three years later, we had 3, and stopped for good. We have 7 musically talented boys: Ryan, Shannon, Jason, Darryn, Myron, Jordan, and Dustin; and one fabulous dancing princess with a keen ear: Sharyon. We’ve added six extraordinary daughters: Kerrie, Marla, Cybel, Alma, Jenn, and Jana. Our family motto is FAMILY comes first. There is no more joy than when the entire family reunites. God has blessed us with an incredible, supportive family, which is what keeps me going.

I would be remiss if I didn’t wish my loving wife a happy – – rd birthday. She loved her gift from her grandchildren – a recording of them reciting the Rosary. We have and will continue to listen every night before bed.

A quick update on me. Last week we had a minor incident where my PEG tube was accidentally pulled from my stomach. We headed over to Credit Valley and four hours later, the interventional radiologist was able to replace the tube. Over all, my condition has been steady since the last post. Thank you for your continued prayers!

Hi all. Here’s my first attempt at writing a blog. Will try to keep it short and sweet.

The last few years have brought immense changes to our lives. For those who aren’t aware of my condition, let me catch you up.

2018 started off with slight numbness in my fingers. In October, my birthday present was a diagnosis of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. My arms and legs were both working well at the time. After a cruise to Australia and a trip to Goa in January 2019 for Aunty Ruby’s 90th birthday and a fabulous time at Dielle’s wedding, the year progressed – and so did my disease. By the end of 2019, my hands had atrophied completely. By mid 2020, my breathing worsened and I now use a BiPAP machine for most of the day. I was able to walk, and still am, though with a lot of assistance. Since late 2020, my legs have weakened and my balance is very shaky. Today, I need help to walk even ten steps… and a wheelchair for the rest.

But despite all this, my mind is healthy and my sense of humor is intact. With relatives and friends constantly sending prayers, lighting candles and offering masses, I cannot be anything but positive. I thank each and every one of you for the all love, affection and prayers. I cannot tell you how many friends drop off delicious meals and desserts. Our priests offer daily masses for us, and check in regularly. Our 8 children and 18 grandchildren have been the biggest blessing to us. Even though I’m house bound, I have so much love around me. Dustin and Sharyon, who moved back home in March 2020 to help us, have been rock solid for both Heather and myself. Heather, as usual, has been my strength and unwavering support.

I hope to write an entry every couple of weeks to update friends and family on how things are going here at home. I will also reminisce about the old days, speak about my faith, and share photos from days gone by. I would love to connect with old friends and family with whom I haven’t spoken in years. Be back soon.