Colin F wrote:
Except when he's not. All of the god-believers who've had ALS have died. Your god did nothing, and there's a good reason for that - he doesn't exist, just like all of the other thousands of gods man has invented, they are imaginary, including the ridiculous Abrahamic god of the desert. I've spent my life on this topic, so discussing it with me is like randomly picking a fight with some guy in an alley, and then it turns out to be Bruce Lee. You'd get beaten up so bad you'd regret it.
If prayer worked, amputees would grow limbs.
I fully recognize and appreciate the care, concern and empathy that might come with various comments peppered with supernatural, religious bullshit, and I usually just leave it alone, but simply spewing your own religious nonsense and stating that "god is faithful" is rude at least, and bad form at best. It always amazes me that theists feel it's ok to do that.
“Who knew that the devil had a factory where he made millions of fossils, which his minions distributed throughout the earth, in order to confuse my tiny brain?”
― Lewis Black
Colin sorry to hear this news. Shortly before my Grandfather passed, he was joking with me in the hospital and I found it hard to laugh. He looked at me and said, "look son...on your worst day if you can find some humor, that is a day you have won." I hope you find something funny - even just a little - each day.
Not a huge comment person here, but I have enjoyed your photos for many years. I hope the road ahead of you treats you kindly and that you are able to get out and spend time with the ones that matter and perhaps squeeze in one of your terrific photos.
Hello sir, I’m new to this forum. Just stumbled upon this post. Before saying anything I just want to hug you virtually. I read all these comments from others, it says how good you were and are. I’m only 28 but your post paused me few minutes thinking about life, happiness and time. All I can say is accepting things will make you happy for whatever time you have. I understand it’s easy said than done. But I wish you happiness from full heart. Enjoy each moment. The next moment is yours.
I was actually sad today deciding whether to upgrade my entry level lens or not. Now, writing these lines made me feel happy with whatever I have and I feel more motivated towards life.
Colin, I'm so sorry for you and your family. As devastating news as this is, I'm sure you will make the best of it. Enjoy your loved ones and what makes you happy. On the selfish side, we hope you keep posting your beautiful images.
Rex
Colin we are all on borrowed time...I know this is really difficult but focus on what gives you happiness ( your shots are among the best on FM) and don't keep thinking of the negative. Let your wife make all the plans, after all she will have to live with them. Do what you can do & maybe teach some younger photographers what you have learned. Sending my best. Mike
Sorry to hear about your personal situation. May God the Almighty give you and your family the strength and patience, and guide you through this difficult time.
Yet another amazing set of images. I don't get over here in the N&W forum much but as soon as I saw another thread by Colin I had to click to see what awe inspiring shots you brought home once again.
As usual, you didn't disappoint with your images. The news... yes, but not your images.
4 pages and going of heart felt complements, comments and well wishes speaks volumes of the man you are and what you have brought to our photographic world Colin.
I/we thank you for the inspiration you have given us to strive and push ourselves to become maybe just a little bit closer to the level of photographer as you are. That's a hell of a mark to leave in this world Colin, and one to be damn proud of. Thank you!
Sending good vibes for a better prognosis from your "second opinion" assessment. Stay strong and live every day to it's fullest with your loving wife and family. They are truly all that really matters in our lives.
I hope you continue to get out there enjoying your photography whenever you can as it's great therapy on so many levels.
Hi Colin -- As I also mentioned under your Instagram post, I have loved viewing your images on every single thread you have shared here, and I very much appreciate the opportunity you have given us all by sharing your amazing images. I do certainly hope you defy the statistics and prove the ALS progress much slower than anticipated. You are the second person among those I know/follow who have recently been diagnosed with ALS. So I read a bit more about it. I was under the impression that it is highly inherited but was surprised to learn that only 5-10% of those diagnosed are considered to be inherited, and for the rest, the doctors still have no clue what may be the contributing factors that cause it. I think this is what makes it a true challenge as there is still no way to know how to avoid it, particularly when, like yourself, a healthy diet/lifestyle with no smoking is followed.
I always admire your photography works, you're talented photographer. So sorry about the diagnosis, Colin. my prayers for you and your family. Wish the miracle comes to you on the way!!!
I am sorry to hear about the Dx and thank you for sharing those amazing shots!!
Life is unpredictable so just live life day by day and enjoy every moment of it.
Colin, I'm sorry to hear about your devastating diagnosis. I hope that you will be able to keep on making beautiful bird photographs as long as possible. Maybe it is just because nature photography is what I like to do as is true of so many who post on this site, but I have to believe that our wildlife photos may create a desire in others to protect and preserve nature.
I went to Vancouver yesterday for final and more accurate testing. It has been determined that I have the less dire form of ALS known as PLS, so that's good news in a strange kind of way, but makes it perhaps even more difficult to make major decisions regarding my business and the house. Much better than full-on ALS though, although the doctor said that sometimes PLS can change into ALS.
It’s been very difficult for both my wife and I to know how to feel about this. On one hand it does seem much better than ALS, but on the other, it will mean a longer, drawn-out journey of disability, in a wheelchair at some point, and at a time when my wife will be getting older, and less able to assist. And I also feel bad that she should live out her life – already with her own health issue – caring for me. She doesn’t deserve that. The rate and manner that the decline will occur is unknowable, so the future is very foggy, making those big decisions regarding my business and selling the house even more difficult. It’s almost like being forced to experience a deadly car crash in slow motion.
Colin, I understand how difficult these things can be. I wish you the best.
Having lived under threat of death in various situations my whole life I can offer only one piece of advise.
Life is short under the best circumstances. Death comes for us all. The worst thing one can do is waste even one good day in fear of death. I adopted an answer to the question we all get a few times every day.
"How are you doing?"
My only answer is
"Always good."
I try to live that way and mean it. It does take practice however.
