THE NEWS  They say we all have a moment or event that marks a "before and after" in our lives. My family's came in 2010 when we received the news that my dear Dad - whom we affectionately refer to as "Kenny V." - was diagnosed with ALS. I prayed that the initial diagnosis was wrong. While I had always been a staunch believer that "everything happens for a reason," I hoped that my prayers would be good enough, strong enough, loud enough or "right" enough to be heard and have it be something else, anything else, based on what I had read about ALS. That it would simply be a "scare" that would allow us to stop, take stock of life, and move along our merry Slaski-family way, grateful for the reminder to make the most of each and every day. After only two hours at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Pioro confirmed that the first doctor's suspicions were correct: Dad did have ALS, likely related to his service in Vietnam...and there was no known cure yet. And so began our journey to "a new normal"..and in trying to find "the reason" in this new reality.

THE BLUEBIRD The morning after, Dad and I sat together on the back deck of our home in Canton, Ohio and talked as best we could about what it all meant. But more than anything we cried together. I can't recall the exact words of this tender exchange, but what I do recall is that amid our tears, a bluebird came, lilt on the banister that sat next to us, and stayed for a good 25 seconds or so. He cocked his head, looked back and forth at each of us, and just stayed there with us. Closer and longer than I had ever before experienced a wild bird staying so still and close to humans. There was a peace about it, and it seemed in no hurry to fly off. Ever a sucker for finding "meaning" in even the most ordinary, it seemed to me in that moment, it was God's way of saying "don't be afraid, I'm here with you and I'll continue to be here."

THE GOODBYE Since that day over 7 years ago, so much has happened - more than I can capture in words. But amid the trials, tribulations and tears, I was so proud to be a Slaski. We learned the art of simply taking one day at a time and appreciating simple things. And as a family, we never lost one of our favorite time honored shared virtues: laughter! And given that, we find beauty in that Dad - after over a 6 year journey with ALS - made his exit stage left from this life and moved onto of heaven on St. Patrick's Day. A day that celebrates all of the antics, joy and lightheartedness that my Dad so embodied in his everyday demanor. We miss him every day, but more then anything. we're grateful to have had nad loved him while we did. And for the memories, love and lessons he left us until we meet again.

THE HOPE In the meantime? Amid this whole story? I've seen more BLUEBIRDS than ever before in my life. And each time my heart smiles. I am reminded to be grateful for all the ordinary beauty and blessings in each day - including in no small part the support of and donations from people like you...the dedication and generosity of organizations like the ALS Association...and even the kindness of strangers. While ALS takes and turns lives upside down and inside out, it also exposes you to the most raw, tender loving kindness from the most unexpected of places. Which is what reminds me that we are not alone in this and helps us keep going. And, gives me HOPE that someday there will be a cure for ALS. Godspeed to all of you on our collective journey toward a cure for ALS...may you too see bluebirds of hope today! And may you be assured that one of them is Dad, letting you know to take it one day at a time. And no matter how dark the day may seem, try with all your might, to find the tiny beaty or blessing in your day. Even is it's as simple as a laugh. :-)

THE HUMBLE REQUEST Will you be a BLUEBIRD today by donating to help us find a cure for ALS? As someone who has experienced firsthand how your dollars are used, I can attest firsthand that you and your donation WILL be making a difference, and that given the pace of research efforts, together we truly do have a shot of finding a cure in the near future, and preventing anyone else from having to go through what my Dad or family did. THANK YOU!

2019 Valentine's ALS Benefit @ The Alamo - Auction winners

• Michele Webre: $1200
• Cynthia McGuinness: $1200
• Kathryn Alexander: $150
• Dana and Matt Moberly: $150
• Alison Talarck: $150