FAREWELL my friends! Updated 1/19/17

[Hawkeye]

T.W., I have been fighting MS for the past 15 years. If you want to send a PM sometime, I'd be happy to give you my phone number and email.  Perhaps I can offer a little perspective and a few tips you might find helpful, or at least lend an ear from one who understands.

I said I've been fighting MS... and that is the operative word for me- fighting!  There is a lot I cannot do anymore that was a significant part of my life, but my method of dealing with this ugly disease has been to work, battle, accept what I must, and ADAPT!  There is no more "individual" disease I am aware of.  Whichever brain cells your immune systems attacks, tearing the myelin "insulation" off the wiring of the nerve, determines what is wrong with you.

I have a high school classmate who was diagnosed two years before me.  His symptoms vary from mine, but he also freaked out and simply gave up, folding the tent of his life.  That may not be the reason, but he has been in a nursing home bed for 10 years, and is nearly unable to speak.

I was forced to give up my farming career because safety became a real concern, and a couple years later, I had to close a business I loved as new physical problems advanced.  But, I am grateful, and have it made compared to what a lot for people face.

Traditional archery and bowhunting is a facet of my "former life" I have fought long and hard to keep.  My bows are 15# lighter in draw (and also lighter in physical weight).  If I ever leave the ground, it is only in a ladder stand with a lifeline rope attached before the first step up, and I move with all the speed of a two-toed sloth!  Tripping is an ever-present challenge, so I gave up on stalking, but my heart is encouraged simply by sitting by a tree in God's creation.  Even with limitations that will probably never improve, I have taken 9 deer, two hogs, and a-l-m-o-s-t an elk with my bow since this all started.  Life isn't easy... but it's GOOD!

I know from being there that you must be in a bit of a state of shock as you try to figure out what has happened to your formerly "invincible" body and what may be coming around the next bend in the physical road.  I just want to encourage you to take some time, get some perspective, and not make any decisions about giving up things you love before you see what may actually be worked around and preserved.

Please pardon the length of a public post, but I wanted you to know that MS is not the end of life, even though it is life-changing for so many us.

Please feel free to touch base if you feel I can be of help in ANY way.  I will include you in my prayers during this season, and I wish you the very best in what will likely prove to be an "interesting" journey.

Daryl

[Michael Arnette]

We all deeply enjoyed your posts and pray for the slowing ofnthat progression of your condition. My father also has symptoms very similar to MS from his time in the gulf war and exposure to mustard and other gases.
Thank you for your service sir!
 

Originally posted by ceme24:
TW:
Your trad journey may not be marked with trophies on the wall, but when it comes to bringing others along with your written word, your journey is filled with dozens or hundreds who have benefitted by your posts, poems and stories.  All of us here on TG have been blessed by the time you chose to spend here.

My sister has an aggressive case of MS.  You are right.  It affects everyone differently.   She was on a fairly grim trajectory of progressive attacks.  Copaxone has done wonders for her and DRAMATICALLY slowed the progression for a long time.  She was diagnosed over 20 years ago now.  As you know, Copaxone is no cure, but for many folks it really helps.
All the best TW. Thank you.  You have given us quite a bit here on TG.  You are always welcome here.  We are defined by what's within

[Bullfrog 1]

God bless you and your family. Your last post says it all. GREAT attitude and perspective. It will get you through.  Bill

[Sam McMichael]

We have greatly enjoyed your posts through the years. Prayers for you and your family are offered with the expectation that God has further work for you to do. God bless you and your family.

[KyRidgeRunner]

Sorry to hear your news. Good luck with everything.

[kadbow]

Wow, that sucks.  But even bigger WOW is your attitude, you have a great one and that will help you and your family more than anything.  Hang in there and stay strong.  Thoughts and prayers coming your way.

[Jim Brennen]

Prayers sent your way

[BenM]

Stay as positive in the future as you are today.  A coworker is on a weekly injection and has done remarkably well.  He lost vision in an eye and was able to regain it.  Keep the hope.

[dragonheart]

[hitman]

TW , I don't know you personally but as one of the gang you are one of us in spirit and friendship. Our prayers are with you in your journey against this disease, be strong in your faith and enjoy all the time you have left, be it a long time or whatever, God bless you and keep you .

[Pointer]

Prayers sent for you brother. Good luck to you and your family.

[KAZ]

Saddened to hear of your diagnosis, but inspired by your determination both prior to & after it. May God Bless you beyond all human comprehension. Praying for you and your Family!

[Straitshot]

TW, God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. I realize the difficulty in understanding how God can move and work wonders in illness but His Grace is wondrously sufficient in all circumstances we find ourselves in. Like many have already done I want to encourage you with the thought that your journey has only taken a detour and though the challenges ahead will be different they can still be rewarding. God bless you and your family. 1 Cor. 4:7-11,16-17

[Izzy]

Keep on fighting and live each day to its fullest. Thats all you can do with this life we are given.  

[Bud B.]

Those are some inspiring words, Daryl - Hawkeye.

Prayers for everyone.

[fnshtr]

Like so many have said, "I've really enjoyed your posts".

Stay positive and take one day at a time.

Prayers going up for you from WV!

[fmscan]

T.W., we all know that Trad guys like a challenge and I can tell that with your family you will face these challenges with strength and grace. Many yrs a go I lived in Salem and had 3 girls there, so I feel for you, just great country. Please continue to go to the woods even if you can't hunt, it will renew your spirit. Continue with the tradgang family, it will help keep you connected to what you love....

[Wannabe1]

Originally posted by Hawkeye:
T.W., I have been fighting MS for the past 15 years. If you want to send a PM sometime, I'd be happy to give you my phone number and email.  Perhaps I can offer a little perspective and a few tips you might find helpful, or at least lend an ear from one who understands.

I said I've been fighting MS... and that is the operative word for me- fighting!  There is a lot I cannot do anymore that was a significant part of my life, but my method of dealing with this ugly disease has been to work, battle, accept what I must, and ADAPT!  There is no more "individual" disease I am aware of.  Whichever brain cells your immune systems attacks, tearing the myelin "insulation" off the wiring of the nerve, determines what is wrong with you.

I have a high school classmate who was diagnosed two years before me.  His symptoms vary from mine, but he also freaked out and simply gave up, folding the tent of his life.  That may not be the reason, but he has been in a nursing home bed for 10 years, and is nearly unable to speak.

I was forced to give up my farming career because safety became a real concern, and a couple years later, I had to close a business I loved as new physical problems advanced.  But, I am grateful, and have it made compared to what a lot for people face.

Traditional archery and bowhunting is a facet of my "former life" I have fought long and hard to keep.  My bows are 15# lighter in draw (and also lighter in physical weight).  If I ever leave the ground, it is only in a ladder stand with a lifeline rope attached before the first step up, and I move with all the speed of a two-toed sloth!  Tripping is an ever-present challenge, so I gave up on stalking, but my heart is encouraged simply by sitting by a tree in God's creation.  Even with limitations that will probably never improve, I have taken 9 deer, two hogs, and a-l-m-o-s-t an elk with my bow since this all started.  Life isn't easy... but it's GOOD!

I know from being there that you must be in a bit of a state of shock as you try to figure out what has happened to your formerly "invincible" body and what may be coming around the next bend in the physical road.  I just want to encourage you to take some time, get some perspective, and not make any decisions about giving up things you love before you see what may actually be worked around and preserved.

Please pardon the length of a public post, but I wanted you to know that MS is not the end of life, even though it is life-changing for so many us.

Please feel free to touch base if you feel I can be of help in ANY way.  I will include you in my prayers during this season, and I wish you the very best in what will likely prove to be an "interesting" journey.

Daryl

Thank you so much for the encouraging post! I may have laid down my bow but, I have not given up the fight. Quitting is just not in my nature. Believe me, if I could continue trad archery I would but, like I stated before, I can't even string my bow now. I do try and get out for walks in the woods but, driving has put a strain on my arms, (the vibrations) and they hurt so bad afterwards, I've kept them to a minimum.

To all I thank you and I am a believer of prayer! If the military taught me one thing, that is to adapt and overcome.  

[Whip]

TW, I can't begin to imagine how tough this has to be for you.  All I can say is that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.  

I've been rooting for you for years in your quest for a big game animal and to know that might always remain a dream is certainly disheartening.   But I hope and pray that treatments can at least provide some relief and give you many years of good living.  

You may find happiness in other pursuits that provide joy equal to trad archery. This is just one of thousands of things people become passionate about.  May your next one be even better!

[Wannabe1]

You may find happiness in other pursuits that provide joy equal to trad archery. This is just one of thousands of things people become passionate about. May your next one be even better!

Whip, funny you should mention that. Seems I am finally getting to experience something I've wanted to do since I was a boy, RC airplanes!    I can take my little stool and sit while flying. Got a starter plane already and about to make contact with a local club to help me get started.