“Shut Up & Cure ALS” – Day 1
Well I started my “Shut Up & Cure ALS” week of silence exactly at midnight last night. I think from midnight to 1:00 a.m. was the toughest. Something about NOT being able to do something, makes you want to do it more. Maybe it’s the “Lopez” rebel inside me. Ha. I was so afraid I would wake up, forget and start talking so I tied on an ALS awareness ribbon & had Paulie write “Don’t Talk” on my hand. I found it ironic that I actually “bit my tongue” while I was sleeping last night – so hard it woke me up.
I want to make sure I do my normal routine this week. I don’t want to avoid people, just want to live life and spread ALS awareness with people naturally. You can see what I left the house with today. I was armed with a pen, notebook with a brief description on it of what I’m doing, and cards that explain it along with contact info. I really thought I was gonna miss singing out loud at church today, but it ended up being relaxing. Lately I have been preoccupied on how I run out of breath by the 3rd song, so it was nice to just listen. After church, I began facing some additional challenges. I went out to lunch with my mother, followed by a trip to Goodwill. It was awkward not to speak to someone who is waiting on you and standing so close. I felt so distant and rude not talking. So after each transaction, I handed them a card so they would understand. My mom was funny, I don’t think she realized she talked louder and slower to me as if I couldn’t hear. She was also “mothering” me more thinking I needed more help with everything because I wasn’t talking.
So far this “Shut Up & Cure ALS” is going well. I will say I feel a little disconnected from everyone here in the house. It’s interesting to observe how others approach me (or don’t) without me talking. A couple times today I felt it was more uncomfortable for the person I was with, than me. That awkward silence for sure. I’ll be blogging here daily during my “Shut Up & Cure ALS”. Thank you for your support! One day down, 6 to go!
Hugs,
Lorri Carey
P.S. If you missed yesterday’s post, click here!
Hope you’ll visit my son’s website, www.kids4cure.com & do the following:
- Become an ALS Advocate. (this is super easy & takes less than 2 mins)
- Donate. (all $ goes directly to the ALS Association for research & patient services)
- Follow Us! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
I’ll be blogging here daily during my “Shut Up & Cure ALS”. Thank you for your support!
Hugs,
Lorri Carey