Even Now

Dear Friends & Family,

Even now, Curt's face lights up when the kids or I walk in the room.
Even now, Curt laughs more than he cries.
Even now, Curt is the most handsome man I know.
Even now, Curt is strong, courageous and brave.
Even now, Curt likes to tease and laugh.
Even now, Curt thanks God for his life and all he has.
Even now, Curt is always thinking of others' needs.

Even now, I would choose Curt.
Even now, I would not change a thing about our life together.
Even now, my love for him continues to grow each day.
Even now, he is an awesome Dad.
Even now, we can communicate without speaking.
Even now, we love watching the sunset.
Even now, we choose to laugh.

The last 6 weeks have been an extreme roller coaster. Curt gets very sick and we think "this is it," then he pulls through and peps up. He was feeling great this weekend so we surrounded ourselves with friends and even took him out for a ride. He has not been feeling well this week and even though he had a really hard day, he toughed it out for Corbin's football game today. Please continue to pray for him as he endures what this disease is doing to his body.

Love,
Cindy, Curt, Clarissa, Cayden & Corbin

Corbin's football game (a few weeks ago)

Cayden, Clarissa and Corbin spent this past weekend at Lake Nacimiento with my parents.



A Saturday afternoon drive to El Taco with Mark & Kelli

Saturday evening happy hour with Lisa, Lori, Lisa, Mike & Paul

Lisa Strong has become a great new friend! Her husband passed away from ALS one year ago.
 She is an amazing person and a huge support for me. Thank you Katrina for connecting us!

Saturday Night bedroom party and dressing up Curt.
Mark, Kelli (back), Larry, Debbie & Mike



Sunday Funday!

Clarissa's first time voting!

Corbin's football game today.

Challenge or Test?

Dear Friends & Family,

Newly married, lying in bed in our cozy camper, in Northern California, with heavy rain pouring on the aluminum roof, Curt and I talked about our future. We talked about not wanting to get old and stuffy and lose our sense of fun. We agreed even when we get old, we want to be fun and spontaneous people. We talked about the importance of having lots of friends and always living life to the fullest. Right then we decided to hop out of bed, go outside and run around the camper three times in the rain, just to prove our spontaneity. Laughing the entire time, we did it!

Since then we have continued to have fun and be spontaneous. Even though life does not pause when someone is sick, we have to find ways to make the most of our days. We still have to go to work, school, deal with flat tires, traffic, bills, medical decisions, all while being sleep deprived, and somehow, we can still find reasons to laugh.

Sometimes I think I am being tested. Can I get it all done and keep a good attitude? Other times I look at it as a challenge. “I CAN do this,” I repeat over and over. Either way, my faith, patience, dedication and will are tested each moment.

I have heard people say, “If anyone can do this, you can.” Truth is, I could never do it alone. Without God, Curt’s support, our children, friends and family, I would not be able to make it through the day. As they say, “It takes a village.” More than anything, it takes a good attitude. I can’t imagine taking care of Curt with a bitter heart. Curt and I can honestly say, we have made the most out of our lives together, we have passed the test and risen to the challenge with winning attitudes, keeping it fun as much as we possibly can. In a sense, we are still playing in the rain.

Please continue to pray for Curt’s comfort. He is struggling so much with swallowing, choking and now bed sores. This journey is really wearing on the kids, they are very emotional and tired. Thank you for continuing to pray for our family.

Love,
Cindy, Curt, Clarissa, Cayden & Corbin

Curt and The Dunnigan Sisters grew up as next door neighbors. 
Kellee, Jacki, Debbie, Sharon & Vicki came over to pray The Rosary with Curt.

Cayden and Mackenzie off to a Halloween Party!

Corbin with the Schultzes; Kelsey, Landon and Delaney at the pumpkin patch!

Clarissa and Chelsea ready for Halloween!

Steve from Oregon, Mom & Dad, and the Kudo Family visiting on Sunday.

No Words

Dear Friends & Family,

Sometimes there are just no words. What more can I say about Curt's battle with ALS? What more can I say about what it is doing to our family? How can I describe how many people have been affected by Curt's strength?

All I can say is, we are doing our best to make the most of each day and support Curt and his needs while trying to maintain somewhat of a normal family life. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Cindy, Curt, Clarissa, Cayden & Corbin



My cousin Alyson, Jeanno, Dominic & Ethan came for a visit!

Curt's brother Bill's coworkers dedicated their MS Ride to Curt. They rode 150 miles in his honor!

Paul and his family supporting Curt!

Paige, Zach, Clarissa and Danielle on their way to see Brad Paisley!
Did I mention Clarissa saw Taylor Swift perform at the Ellen show taping two days ago?
So lucky!

Sunday Funday in honor of Kelli's Birthday!

Hanging out with Daddy!

Happily Ever After

Dear Friends & Family,

There’s nothing like reading a book you can’t put down or watching a movie you don’t want to end, but as they say, “All good things must come to an end.” It’s the timing of the end that never seems right. We always want a few more chapters in the book or a few more minutes or even a sequel to the movie. Sadly, we are not in control of when the ending happens. Whether in books, movies or life, we are at the mercy of circumstances beyond our control.

Our “and they lived happily ever after” is coming to an end. This chapter of our life is over. It is out of our control and must be accepted. There will be no sequels, only memories. The lessons Curt has taught us, the example he has been and the kindness he has shown to others will live on in our hearts and in our actions. We will never forget what an amazing man he has been or his brave battle over the last three years. He is a hero to many and an example to all. Our love for him has never wavered. The story is coming to an end and the credits are about to roll, meanwhile, we will celebrate each day, each breath and each little smile as we live out our happily ever after.

Please continue to pray for Curt’s comfort. He is sleeping a lot, hallucinating a little, losing muscle and weight but continues to “check in” to life, laugh a little and smile as always!

Love,
Cindy, Curt, Clarissa, Cayden & Corbin

Fall is here!

Corbin and Larry at the Carnival!

Clarissa enjoyed the rodeo with Chad and her Delta Zeta Sorority!

Happy Birthday Julie & Lisa! 

Fun with Mark, Kelli, Mike and panorama photos!



My hero!

Mind Over Matter

Dear Friends & Family,

I can’t remember where we were, Curt and I, but I was freezing cold, shivering to the core, teeth chattering and body shaking like a leaf. Curt told me to forget about the cold and stop shivering, “Mind over matter,” he said. He went on to tell me to control my body, don’t let it know it is cold, be stronger than the cold, mind over matter, he kept repeating. I followed his instructions and soon I stopped shivering, I was able to get over the coldness and enjoy our surroundings.

Time after time, I have seen Curt use the “mind over matter” strategy. In fact, that is pretty much how he has lived his life. Whether is was cold weather, an injury, a long line at the grocery store, or some kind of car or work trouble, he would look beyond the moment and focus on how to best get through the situation without pain or frustration.

A few days ago, I watched as Curt realized he can no longer practice “mind over matter.” The disease has taken its ugly toll on him to the point that he is now subject to heavy medications to keep him resting comfortably. After a nice weekend at The Popp’s House (photo below), we returned home to begin a new week. By Tuesday his chest and throat were heavily congested to the point that he was choking and gasping for air. Increased medications are making him more comfortable but also causing him to be very sleepy, have no appetite and spend almost all of his time in bed. My heart is breaking as I watch him slipping away. 

Thank you for your prayers for Curt, the kids, and me.

Love,
Cindy, Curt, Clarissa, Cayden & Corbin