Meeting the Wedemeyers

Tuesday, 7 June 2005

Tonight, I went to go hear Charlie and Lucy Wedemeyer speak at a church in my neighborhood. A Christian Education teacher from Kamehameha Elementary school, Suzanne Mauer, emceed the event, starting with a documentary called "One More Season." She talked about the couple and their journey, which she has incorporated into her program called "Courage to Live." She told personal stories about the Wedemeyers until they showed up. The entire family was there, including Kale, their son who is now in his 3rd year of residency and preparing to become a neurologist to study ALS, and their daughter Carrie, who runs the Charlie Wedemeyer Foundation, and her family. Kale helped suction Charlie and check his ventilator, as Lucy talked openly and candidly about his struggle to live (He can no longer walk, speak, eat, or breathe on his own.). She emphasized having a sense of humor, how their faith in God has helped them, how his coaching at Los Gatos High School, and now sharing his story with people around the world, continue to give him a purpose for living.

I went to introduce myself to them afterwards, and she remembered my dad from Sunday. I took my picture with them, since my dad didn't get a picture. Lucy told me it's going to be a tough road ahead, but that the most important thing is to find a purpose for my dad, something for him to keep living for.

I also introduced myself to Kahu Suzanne Mauer, and told her my dad has ALS, and she immediately wanted all my information. I gave her my contact information, and told her how far along my dad is as far as symptoms go. She wants to connect me and my dad with local artist Peggy Chun, who also has ALS, to network and to perhaps learn caregiving skills from her daughter.

I'm really glad that I went. It's very inspirational to see how Charlie and Lucy have lived with ALS for nearly thirty years now, and remain so happy and retain their sense of humor.....Although I imagine it was probably different when the doctors told him back in the 70's that he would have only one year to live. It seems as if God definitely did have a different plan for him.