Page 116 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2024 - Online Magazine
P. 116
Exceptional
SENIORS
A Portrait
of Grace and Resilience
in the Face of ALS
Rebecca Talley
By Laura Landes
aised in Thailand by devoted husband, Tim, and their With unwavering dedication, he
missionary parents who loving children, exemplifies strength tends to her needs with compassion
Rtaught her to treat everyone in the face of adversity. “I always and tenderness, ensuring that
as created equal, to embrace what loved my independence. Now, she feels loved, appreciated, and
life gives you with strength and I have to depend on others to do cherished every step of the way.
fortitude, and to give endlessly everything for me. But I have
and selflessly, Rebecca Talley come to realize that I was never Rebecca was eager to share the
experienced firsthand the power of independent; God was always in magnitude of Tim’s unconditional
prayer and compassion. Because control. It was my ALS that brought love. “’To have and to hold from this
of her upbringing and spirituality, me to my knees and to my senses. day forward, for better, for worse,
when she was diagnosed with For that, I am eternally grateful.” for richer, for poorer, in sickness
ALS in 2019, her journey has not and in health, to this we solemnly
been defined by despair but by a ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) vow.’ When Tim said these words
remarkable display of dignity and is a debilitating neurodegenerative to me on our wedding day 45 years
grace. disease that gradually paralyzes its ago, he had no idea what he was
victims. Yet, despite its challenges, getting into; otherwise, he might
Afflicted with a disease that Rebecca confronts each day with have backed out! But he has kept
progressively robs her of motor unwavering courage and a radiant his vows. Tim has cherished me
functions, Rebecca, alongside her smile that brightens the lives of and loved me through this journey.
those around We spend a lot of time laughing.
her. Her positive Unfortunately, I laugh like a drunk
outlook and mule, but even with the hee-hawing,
tenacious spirit I never sense any regret from him
inspire all who for having taken these vows. His
have the privilege love is tender and full of joy. That’s
of knowing her. why I’m full of joy.”
At the heart of Their children, too, play an integral
Rebecca's journey role in Rebecca's care, providing
is her unwavering love and assistance whenever
support system, needed. Their selflessness and
anchored by her compassion mirror the strength
devoted husband, and resilience instilled by their
Tim. His steadfast parents, creating a family bond that
commitment to transcends the limitations imposed
Rebecca's care is a by ALS. Her church family has also
From Left to Right : Bryan & Elizabeth Harrison with daughters Annabelle,
Mary Katherine and Sabrine, Tim & Rebecca Talley, Abigail & Morgan Davis testament to their been a beacon of hope.
with children John Wallace and Evelyn, Deb & Josh Kirby with Aletheia Kirby enduring love.
116 Lubbock Senior Link
