Today's Hero: Mervin Cale

Good Morning to the 2175 for ALS community! It is Friday, November 14th and we will be celebrating Mervin Cale today. Thank you, Ginny for sending us this amazing story and tribute - and for introducing us to Mervin's selfless spirit. Here's to you both!*Be Well,Team 2175 ----------------------------------------------- Mervin was the eldest child born to deaf parents at a time when there was no help for the "special needs" they would need.  He didn't learn conversational speech until he entered first grade---------- but when he learned to talk there was no stopping him!  Growing up from the age of 7 he was the family spokesman.  He had 4 brothers and sisters but he was the one everyone spoke to.  He had a weekly job from the age of 7 too.  He earned 25 cents a week!!  As soon as he could get a work permit he worked- usually more than one job.At nineteen he was drafted into the U.S.Army- one of the only times he held just one job.  He fought in the Korean War.  Upon returning home he was hired as a McDonough County Deputy. From there he went on to bcome a Macomb City Policeman and then on to become a Western Illinois University Policeman. He retired from WIU after more than being a public servant for more than 30 years. Mervins retirement was spent helping others and just "keeping busy".  When he mowed a yard it was really a manicured yard.  Everything he did he did as good as he possibly could do.  He loved helping others.  He was enjoying retirement.  And we all were enjoying it too-- we were getting a lot of things taken care of- by him!In Febuary 2004 while he was remoldling our kitchen we noticed he was having a lot of extra saliva.  Then a month later it seemed as if he was slurring his words- only once in a while tho.  A family friend(a doctor)  mentioned ALS to me. It tok a few Dr. appts to finally grt the diagnosis.  In November 2004 he was dxed at Mayo.  We were devastated.  Mervin lost his ability to speak in May of 2005 so it was back to sign language for him.  He then lost the ability to chew and swallow.  He was able to get around with a walker for quite a long time.  He didn't even have to use a wheeel chair until a week before he was vented.  He developed pnuemonia due to aspiration and lived only 5 months on the vent.  He" earned his wings" on March 2007.  During all this time he never ask "Why me?"  His only complaint was that he could no longer help anyone.  Although he has been gone over 1 1/2 years I mourn him everyday.  I feel like he was a gift from God and some day we will be back together and he will be talking once more. ------------------------------------------------------------------------Your $1 donation to 2175 is greatly appreciated. Funds benefit the ALS Association - DC/MD/VA Chapter.------------------------------------------------------------------------