January 2009

On March 14, 2003, the Wrights received a horrific diagnosis nobody wants to ever hear, but we know someone always does ... we just don't ever think it will be us.

Becky describes her husband of 30 years as her: "best friend, soul mate, father of three sons, and the very best life partner anyone could ever ask for." And she has just found out that Mike Wright — just 48-years old at the time — was going to die.

She will NEVER forget the feeling of her heart literally breaking. They were told he had ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. They were told there was no cure and no treatment — none. They were told Mike would lose his ability to walk and talk ... lose his ability to do anything and everything. The only thing he would not lose were the abilities of his brain. He would think, remember, have emotions, and he would love, BUT he would have no way to express those emotions. It is truly one of the — if not THE — cruelest diseases. And, the worst of the news was that they were told 95 percent of those diagnosed with this disease die in three to five years.

Lastly, Mike was told: "Anything you want to do in life — do it right now!" Of course, what they meant was: "Hurry, before it's too late, and you can't do anything!"

Most of us can only try to imagine the feelings you have upon hearing such a tragic diagnosis. Becky describes them as: "Horribly scared, powerless, lonely, heartbroken — for Mike first, then for our sons: twins Brandon and Bryan and our youngest, Blaine."

They were devastated and felt complete sadness. But, believe it or not, to watch them both, you could see that they had HOPE. Becky says: "Little did I know how important that word would be! I have learned that you NEVER ever give up HOPE!"

There are lots of details, experiences and wonderful stories that have happened during the last five years, but there simply isn't enough space to write about them all. However, what you must know is ... it's been 5 years, 10 months and 14 days since he was diagnosed, and today, Mike is a WALKING and TALKING MIRACLE! He has not lost any of his abilities other than some weakness in his legs.

Becky says that Mike has been the VERY BEST husband, friend, father, cook, fishing partner, laundry man and car pooler that you could imagine! And, he does so much more! The Wrights recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and while life has been pretty tough, they are SO VERY THANKFUL and BLESSED!

Many have asked them how it is that they can keep going, how it is they get out of bed everyday. Ask them and the answer is pretty simple: They CAN!

They have been blessed with so many family and friends who diligently pray for Mike. God is very near and dear to their hearts and they lean on Him — always. They also lean on each other and are involved in fundraising. With the help of many others, they were able to raise nearly $500,000.00 for ALS organizations in finding a cure for ALS!

They cling to the word HOPE! As long as they have HOPE, they have a reason to get up and face the day with the best attitude. As would be expected, they're not smiling 100 percent of the time. As a matter of fact, they'll tell you that they have shared many a tear together. They'll also tell you about their three incredible sons, and a tremendous group of loving, caring and praying family and friends. They have each other. They have faith. They have HOPE!