December 2016 will be a month etched into my soul forever. My son-in-law, Kurt Fairburn, father of five little children was diagnosed with the deadly ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.
When the diagnosis was confirmed at Christmas time, it was like someone had turned the channel to a terrible nightmare of a movie.
How does someone in their mid 30s with their whole life before them have this heavy burden placed before them?
What kind of cruel joke is this and how do we fix it?
Unfortunately this was no joke, and there is no fixing it. My young daughter immediately got to work in attempting to look ahead and prepare for the inevitable.
Time is not on one’s side when suffering from this disease. The specialists who diagnosed the illness simply said to spend as much time together as they possibly can.
It seemed surreal to think that you will not be with your companion much longer. The dreams of seeing your children grow up, get married, serve missions, have children will not be realized.
Instead, the thought of babies to tend to and bills to pay are the realities you are left with. What about the future? Where do we live? How will I be able to cope on my own? These are the questions that my daughter is asking.
We believe in angels, both visible and those beyond the spiritual veil. The Lord’s tender mercies were immediately felt by the outpouring of love and support from so many. Folks that they knew and so many that they have never had the privilege of knowing.
Gifts, fundraising efforts, silent auctions, meal delivieries are but a few of the many acts of love that this family has received.
As a father and grandfather to this wonderful family my heart is humbled and my faith renewed as I think of the love and many unselfish acts of compassion extended to this family of ours.
May I express my love and appreciation to those friends, neighbours, and family who have aided in lightening the burden a little.
The weeks and months ahead will truly be one of tears, struggle. And despair. But it is also a journey that will not be endured alone, thanks to the love of so many earthly angels.
May God’s richest blessing be poured out of all who have aided this little family I pray.
Robert Murray, St. Albert
