www.couragetolive.com
What does true love look like? When you feel like you’ve got nothing left in yourself, what does it feel like to tap into the immeasurable reservoir of God’s strength and provision? In June 2010, Charlie Wedemeyer was called home to meet his heavenly Father. Charlie and his wife Lucy, high school sweethearts at Punahou School, got married while at Michigan State University (where Charlie had a stellar football career). They started a family. Charlie was a teacher and coach. Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times wrote (June 5, 2010), “Wedemeyer was a successful coach at Los Gatos High School, even after being diagnosed at 30 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS (Lou Gerhigs Disease). Early in his battle with ALS he lost his ability to walk and speak. He was confined to a wheelchair and talked to his players through Lucy, using a language of blinks, eyebrow raises and cheek twitches to communicate with her..Although he was initially given one to three years to live, Wedemeyer continued to coach, leading Los Gatos to a 78-18-1 record and seven league titles and lived to the age of 64. For some ALS is a dead end. Not for Charlie and Lucy.
Charlie’s homegoing has been a painful time of adjustment for Lucy Wedemeyer. While many focus on the idea that her heavy burden of care giving is no longer…Lucy solemnly shakes her head with her infamous smile, and says, “He was the love of my life.” She has two children Carri and Kale and 9 grandchildren. She’s here with her dear friend Suzanne Mauer (a true ambassador of Jesus’ love and hope).
– How would you describe your adjustment following Charlie’s home going?
– What would make Charlie smile?
– What was his greatest passion?
– In what way did this experience (ALS) impact your family life?
– What do you miss the most?
– Why do you believe God allowed you and Charlie (family) to endure decades with ALS?
– (Elizabeth Lyons via Facebook) “What would she say to spouses and children of ALS patients, when the patient is in denial? Patient says, “No worries, I can drive (babysit, be at home by. myself, take myself to appointments, etc.),” but really should NOT be doing these things as he is a danger to himself and others…
Psalm 119:57-58 “You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”