Debbie Button

Many years ago, when the physician said that my son Joe, who had type 1 spinal muscular atrophy, perhaps would live until 2 years old, I went into “Rambo mode,” ready to attack anything that got close enough to harm him.

But as the years went by and Joe’s health held stable, I silently vowed I would do my best to allow him to live outside the sterile little bubble I had created around him.

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People affected by ALS tend to lose weight and can become malnourished, not only because food and drink may be hard to swallow, but also because they burn more calories than unaffected people and their intestines may be less efficient at extracting nutrients from food.

 Two recipes from my cookbook, "I Can Eat That!", were included in this article.  To see the recipes, go to  http://alsn.mda.org/article/eat-drink-and-be-healthy-motto-als

 Recipes included were for Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake and Chicken and Dressing Casserole.

Have you ever considered whether you eat to live or live to eat?

Food often holds a place of honor in our lives. Have you noticed how many events are accompanied by an element of food and drink? We have cake to celebrate birthdays and family reunion potluck picnics, as well as champagne toasts at a wedding.

My late son Joe, who had spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA), had chewing and swallowing difficulties that caused mealtime to be more of an aggravation than a joy for him. The desire for Joe to take pleasure in our family meals was the beginning of my pursuit to alter recipes and find ways to make mealtime a little more exciting for him.

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While cleaning a messy drawer, I began to smile and then chuckle at the foolish objects I have kept. When will I ever need a used twisty tie or a bent nail? And then there are the keys that don’t seem to fit anything. Am I just deceiving myself in believing these should be saved? Don’t laugh at me, laugh with me.

I believe laughter can change the world, one giggle at a time. Come on, give it a try.

In our chaotic world today, there are so many worries. In fact, if we focus on the negatives in life, we are certain to frown more often than not. That’s why I’m so convinced that amusement and delight are deliberate choices. Start smiling, and you’ll begin to feel more contented.

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...Here are a few tips to help you manage your pool and maximize your enjoyment...

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Reflecting on Grandparents Day, which is held the first Sunday after Labor Day, brings back many memories of my grandparents and great-grandparents, as well as ideas for my own role as a grandparent...

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Have you entered into the New Year with fear and trembling?  Or are you overflowing with vigor and excitement?  The response lies in your hands.  Each of us has the power to make the choices which will characterize how we spend the remainder of this glorious 2010.

 To read more, on page 3,  http://www.wohmag.com/1_2010.pdf

Spring 2010 (Wings of Hope Magazine)

Is it possible that the current financial crisis in our nation has anything to do with peer pressure?  Are we really so insecure about ourselves that we allow others to dictate how we spend our money?  My answer is absolutely --- yes!  

To read more, on page 18,   http://issuu.com/wohmag/docs/fall_2009

Fall 2009 (Wings of Hope Magazine)

Which holiday traditions are most important to you and your family?  Since early in my childhood, my parents always made sure that we had great holidays.  It's not that we always received every Christmas present that we wanted but we always had a wonderful dinner and the house was filled with family.    

To read more, on page 13,  http://wohmag.com/Holiday_2009.pdf

Holiday 2009 (Wings of Hope Magazine)

Last June, my sister called and invited me to an event being held locally to recognize and celebrate cancer survivors and their caregivers.  It was called the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.  Until that day, I really had no idea what this was all about.  

 To read more, on pages 10-11,  http://issuu.com/wohmag/docs/summer_2009

Summer 2009 (Wings of Hope Magazine)

Crawling into a tiny toddler play tent set up in my living room.  Playing Candyland with no rules at all.  Naming our lone chicken "Lucy" because of her "red hair".  Baking chocolate chip cookies while wearing matching aprons.   

To read more, on page 12,  http://issuu.com/wohma/docs/volume3issue1

Spring 2009 (Wings of Hope Magazine)

Give thanks with a grateful heart!  It sounds so easy, but have you stopped to really think about it?  And if we are to give thanks with a grateful heart, can we give thanks with an ungrateful heart?      

To read more, on page 7, http://issuu.com/wohmag/docs/holiday_2009

Holiday 2008 (Wings of Hope Magazine)

"How do I live without you..." goes the song sung by Trisha Yearwood.  Many times through the years as I've listened to the song, I've only thought about it from a romantic viewpoint and therefore always thought about my husband and how devastated I'd be if anything ever happened to him. 

To read more, on pages 34-35, http://issuu.com/wohmag/docs/wohmag_09

September 2008  (Wings of Hope Magazine)