I love you Darin. You are inspirational and the courage you have is heartfelt. I think about you often and want you to always be comfortable as you go through each phase of this awful disease. Having a great support team is critical. I’m sure your family is going through very tough times also and you support each other and have so much joy. You’re a wonderful person and continue to be an excellent teacher helping us learn about ALS. I lost my girlfriend the day after her 70th birthday. You are so loved by family and you are truly blessed to have them. I’ll check in on your next update. ❤️❤️❤️
Darin, many years ago my husband broke his hand and could not dress himself for several weeks. He said it was humiliating. I am not in any way making light of your illness or comparing it to my husband’s experience. I just want you to know that your feelings are valid. Your family understands that, and they love you enough to take care of whatever you need.
The one big thing to helped with my husbands dignity is a bidet . The first time I had to assist my husband in the bathroom , I cried because I knew how hard it was for him , then I heard him crying because he thought it was difficult on me . Then we both started laughing with relief because we realized we’re gonna be fine because we both were feeling the same compassion for each other . My husband and I were young when we got married 20 and 25 and as we said our vows I’m sure ALS was not something we even thought about , but in April we will celebrate 44 years married , 17 of those years with ALS , the last 2 years on a ventilator and I’m telling you , ALS will try to test your marriage , I say try because this disease is ruthless , but love ❤️ always wins. We’re a team two are stronger then one . We rely on each other every day . Guard each others hearts ❤
Darin, thank you for these videos and sharing your faith. You’re a blessing. I’m sorry for this diagnosis but we know that you won’t go somewhere God hasn’t gone before you. He is your strength. Praying for you and your family. My husband was diagnosed with ALS 2 years ago. It’s relatively slow progressing even though we can see it moving. He spent two years in the military in the early 70’s so the VA is calling it service related and have been helping with house adaptive things and more. Lord willing, I will be his caregiver. The Lord went before us as he has for you. Keep the joy! Grace grace! God’s strength. Sherri
I will try to find Joy. Watching my beloved husband struggle with stage 4 cancer is not a joyful experience. But, for you, Mr. N, I will try, Thank you.
Hi Darin, I was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS in February of 2024. I’ve already lost my voice. My swallowing is difficult and I feel my diaphragm getting weaker. I admire your posts!
Darin although I am somewhat older then you your symptoms and rate of progression is almost identical the mine. Thank you for your bravery fighting this bastard of a disease.
You are feeling like you are loosing dignity, yet you are actually forced to depend on others who will be forever grateful that you trusted them with your care. I love your heart in this. You are educating us and letting us see how a person who chooses joy responds to such a very tough disease. Praying
Darin, I’m so sorry for your suffering. I’m learning so much from you that has nothing to do with ALS. I’m trying to change the way I live, to find joy every day and not take the small things in life for granted. Even at this time in your life, you remain a great teacher. I hope you realize that. Sending prayers and love
I got so upset when you talked about the ‘approved’ medicine and how it made you worse, yet the fda seems to have not done much of anything to get the other medicines approved. It’s so frustrating, and I’m so incredibly sorry you are dealing with this. Your courage to vlog your experience is unmeasurable. I cannot imagine what you are going through. This disease scares me to my core. I hope there is a day where no one is affected by this.
I started to notice muscle and weight lost in November 2023 and was going back and forth seeiing doctors and was told I had als in May of 2024 ,I am now going to try stem cell treatment in a few weeks hoping for some kind of help.
Praying for you, your wife, kids, loved ones & friends! I agree about people telling you how bad this is! When my husband was diagnosed I had someone tell me I had no idea what was about to happen & I was naive. I know it was said outta concern but let me be naive while I can. I've googled like it's my 2nd job so I know what this looks like, let us find joy & laugh. You are loved! You are cherished! You are NOT a burden! Dignity is not the ability to pull up your pants or feed yourself. Dignity is how you speak to others, how you love others & inspire us all. You are the picture of dignity & grace!! Much love to you & yours as we walk this road along side of you ❤️
I’m so sorry for what you are going through! Thank you for showing us the reality of this disease. Thank you also for showing us joy in the midst of hardship. I am not sure if you have the hand or arm strength to use a reacher, grabber tool. If so, there are different types on the market that can be helpful for things like pulling up pants and grabbing things. Some have silicone grips. One has suction cup grips. I am not sure if they would help with your particular situation and you may have even already tried it. If they don’t help you at this stage, maybe they could help someone else reading your comments. I just wish I could make things better for you somehow. You are a wonderful person! I admire you so much! I have been blessed by your videos. You are beautiful! Thank you!
I love listening to you so much Darin. You my dear are an inspiration to me in my everyday life and I don’t have ALS. I’m 76, retired and live alone. Family is not in my life much anymore. I have chronic pain from osteoarthritis and I do my best to move around. You have such an upbeat attitude and I love that. I lost my girlfriend one day after celebrating her 70th birthday. She had recently moved into assisted living on the ALS floor. She loved it there and I’d go often to have lunch with her. Her disease progressed rapidly and she ended up with an electric wheelchair that she loved. Her legs were no longer functioning yet she could transfer from her chair to the toilet during the day with no problem. The day after her birthday she fell between the toilet and the wall and was so wedged she couldn’t pull the alarm she wore around her neck. We were all devastated. I think about her every day. I walk outside everyday no matter how bad I hurt and I feel grateful that I can still walk. I try to focus being outdoors rather than the pain I’m in. Boy, we do get curves in life and knowing how much you loved teaching, I know how tough it is that you can’t teach anymore. I admire you and I’ll be with you until you can’t make videos anymore! You’re strong in the mind and you can still do many things like you are doing with these videos. Love to you and your caring wife! 👍👏💕
Hi Darin…..greetings from Toronto. Thank you for sharing your feelings today. Today at Temple, our minister’s dharma talk was exactly what you spoke about today in your video. He said, don’t worry about the days ahead, just focus on today, and to be thankful for everything….today. He shared a story about his friend who had ALS. His friend George would say, “although I cannot use my hand like I used to, I do still have the ability to raise my arm”. And when he lost ability to raise his arm, George said he was grateful for being able to lift his head up. And close to the end of his life, the minister went to visit George. George smiled and said how grateful he was to open his eyes and see a new day. I received my “go find some joy” t-shirt. I love it. It reminds me to not sweat over the small stuff and to simply find joy. Thanks Darin. Take good care. Gambatte.
I just found your channel today. I watched the video of you sharing your diagnosis and this on.e. I felt encouraged to hear you talk about having choices. To me if you are intentionally making choices then you are truly living no matter your circumstances. Continue choosing love. It the most powerful thing any of us can do!! 💖
Darin, I’m sorry about your diagnosis and how life is getting harder for you. I want you to know I’m praying for you. I’m confident there are others here doing the same. This is your spiritual,journey,that you never contemplated, I’m sure, but you are full of grace and dignity and I have so much respect for you. Sending ❤️ to you and your beautiful wife
I am in that limbo of my regular neurologist sending me for second opinion with the referral stating “concern for als”….I feel like I have it. I feel like no one wants to tell me because it is too sad. But I need to know. I’m being seen at the neurology clinic at University of Michigan and am waiting for a referral to their brachial plexus clinic as my presenting symptom is weakness of my left shoulder and arm. I appreciate your candor and positive outlook. All while keeping it real. Watching your videos makes me feel like I’m sitting there with you, talking to a friend. Keeping posting, it is immensely helpful. Thank you
Bless you, honey. Your videos are so real and needed. I pray that you and your family continue to live each day with Joy,Love and Peace. Sending hugs and love from the UK xx
I live in London and have Mnd I am involved in a trail called Mndsmart I was diagnosed nearly 3 years ago I find what you say very familiar keep going I find what you’re saying very interesting thanks frank
I bought a lift chair because of your salesmanship when you told us about yours, I really like it. I know what you mean about losing your dignity with ALS. Having someone have to help with the shower is hard for me. I was diagnosed August 27, 2024. However, I believe I’ve had ALS for at least a year and a half before that. No one seems to be able to diagnose it! I live in Tennessee. There are many good things like an ALS wheelchair and an eye gaze communication device. I haven’t gotten mine yet, but they are in the works, I’ve been given equipment to help with bathroom needs. I’m so glad you have a wonderful wife and beautiful children who obviously love you so much. I also have two daughters who are married and five grandchildren who are grown. We’re also very close, but they don’t live in the town with me, my church has been so kind and bringing food twice a week. My husband is not a cook, but he has had to do a lot of caregiving. am employing a young lady to come several hours each day to help with many things that house needs to survive. I am 77 years old, and also a former teacher. I know you loved teaching, but you have been teaching me and many others how to persevere through this disease that has been assigned to us. I know you have faith as I do. God is with us and one day sooner than later, we will see his face.
Hi Darin. Sometimes I find myself getting down and feeling like things are pretty hopeless. Then I think of how brave you are and the good fight you're putting up That gives me strength to press on. Thank you.
Darin, you are an inspiration in the face of adversity. Your courage is contagious and is helpful to so many! You hang in there...we're thinking of you and wish you the best!
Darin, Try & Stay positive. We are praying for you & your family. I lost someone very dear to me from ALS but he had it for 17 years. Fight ,Dont give up!! Always know there is always Hope !🙏🏻💙
You are continuing to be in my prayers. I enjoy watching your reels and RUclips videos. Just know you are such an inspiration to everyone out in the world! You have a lot of love and joy coming your way! ❤️ 🙏🏼
Hey Darin, you will continue to be a teacher for all of us. That’s the highest office anyone can obtain so safeguard and treasure what you can do to inspire the people you love. And strangers alike. All will carry your lessons of life for generations to come.
Always keeping you in my prayers and I’m encouraged by your courage and humor with each video. Thank you for reminding us all to find joy wherever and whenever we are able.❤️🌺
Thankyou for sharing this Darin. I was diagnosed last October 2023. Hearing you is like listening to my thoughts. I don't want to hear what's going to happen anymore I'm living day to day. I was laughing at you saying about pulling up trousers ,as we inUK call pants. My husband too has to pull mine up sometimes too and we laugh about it, our relationship still the same and I am lucky. He doesn't let me be despondent and we focus on what we can do and live life to the fullest. When I was diagnosed I actually wished I had cancer instead, as there are many people cured and we have no cure yet, but since my diagnosis my brother in law has passed from cancer and a close friend is in her final stages so that was a wake up to appreciate how lucky I am , with friends and family. There is joy still in life and hope. Keep doing these videos, its a pleasure to listen to you and I love to see your garden. I have faith we will see a cure in our lifetime and that also keeps me strong. Take care and see you soon ❤
Darin, you are so inspirational for always bringing out the joy of living every moment no matter what…Your personality is full of honesty, warmth, kindness, thoughtfulness, positivity, elegance and enthusiasm from your very first video ( winning the sweeps) to now…You really bring light and love to everyone who knows you and watches your videos! ❤from Montreal
Sending allllll my love your way, Darin! I always talk about finding my new normal when navigating hard things. It sounds like your normal is changing rapidly. Thank you for sharing your story. Your heart. You have always been real and authentic with the world- I remember getting so much inspiration from you when I was a teacher. Praying for you and your family and friends as you continue to journey through this illness and the challenges together. Know that you are loved and appreciated and cared for always. 💕
Darin you are the most positive person I know. Well I feel like I know you. I started watching your teaching vlogs many years ago. I remember seeing you on a skateboard, rolling into school. It may have been spring or summer. I will find joy and reminder myself to bypass the negativity that surrounds my world and look for the joy instead. Thank you for being real and showing your followers hope, compassion, and gratefulness. You are still teaching because that is who you are. ❤
From one human being to another, I love you and appreciate you sharing your story. You have helped me to find and encourage others to find joy everyday. I pray for you and all others diagnosed with ALS. Find some Joy 🫂!
Thank you SO much for your Truth and your words. They encourage me and I'm sure many, many others to look around ourselves and find the beauty and blessings that are right beside us, even with the challenges we face. Your body may have lost strength but your incredible, indelible spirit shines through brighter with every moment. Now I will go find some joy!
Darin I have followed you for quite a while and loved your positive spirit in the educational field. I know you are a Christian and I am saying prayers for you right now. May God be especially close to you through this journey! You have made an impact and difference with your presence! Much love to you!
My hubby experienced the same as you with cervical surgery to repair stenosis in 11/2022 and he never got back to his normal self. He started to decline. We live in a small town in south west Arizona and healthcare here is limited. He’s been going to Phoenix to see a specialist and just had EMG. At one time he was diagnosed with MS and they couldn’t confirm it on the MRI. His testing showed negative to everything. He is been walking with a walker for a year now and he says he feels so weak and heavy. I pray that he gets a diagnosis soon. He is grieving his prior life, working all his life building things was his therapy and now he is unable to that. He misses his co workers and the fun he had working . I pray for you and your family!
No doubt, the growing dependence on others to do things for you has got to be a huge hit on the foundation of your life as an adult. In a broader sense, your dignity transcends the physical, into the spiritual and emotional --an aura that remains intact regardless. You remain strong, decisive, and for now, able to articulate and are an honorable model of a fighter.Thank you for this!
Darin❤i am sending prayers to you and your family as you battle this disease with grace and strength. You inspire me everyday to go find some joy. I hope you feel the love surrounding you in this space. Many HUGS❤
You are doing a great service via these vids -- teaching us about this mysterious disease -- how to live with it and the emotions that come with it. Thank you so much.❤️🌿🌻👏
Darin, thank you for the update. You arebon my prayer list and I ask the Lord to sjiw you His grace & mercy. How wonderful that yoyr remaining days will have joy. It’s a minset. Godbis on your side and keeps blessing you❤️
So true Darin..i hate seeing comments that say ALS is horrific or whatever. I think people say that to connect to relate or because they care or because it has touched them personally but you are right....we dont want to hear how terrible it is or who you know who died from it. Not helpful
Praying for you!! ❤ I love your advice about not giving time to fake people. I’m learning to create healthy boundaries for my own peace. Unrelated but your hair looks good. 😊 I hope you know what an inspiration you are to so many. Going to go find some joy. 🥹
Thank you for sharing your story…. You are very brave and helping others as well educating others as to what you and your loved ones are enduring.. May God bless and watch over you ..❤
I absolutely hate that you and your family are having to go through this, but I want you to know that I feel joy and hope in watching your journey. I haven’t given up on a miracle and I’m still praying for you! Go find some joy!
The balancing & thoughtfulness you share are down to earth and appreciated even the aspects that are difficult. You are often sitting in settings, inviting & comforting---here, your dog, a fire, a blanket, a sky. Thank you for the visit & welcome.
Such an inspiration!!! Sorry things are progressing and life is getting more challenging but what a wonderful teacher of presence and joy. I have stage 4 ovarian and you're videos make me sad but also really encourage me too.. I feel like giving you a reassuring hug and saying I love you Man!!! Am finding joy everyday... best of all wishes wished for you.
As always, love you, Darin. You encourage me so much. I haven't told you this before, but I am caring for my husband and my sister, both of whom are in varying stages of dementia. I understand the loss of dignity and autonomy. And I also understand that there are still many funny moments, tender moments, and loving moments each day. Joy is always there to be found. You just have to look for it.
You are amazing Darin. I walked my husband's ALS journey together with him. I saw how hard it was for him to lose his dignity. I want to assure you that I never considered it a burden - even the most pesky task I had to do for him didn't cause any resentment. If you decide to add a professional caretaker ... know that this is their job. They chose to help. I hate ALS and what it did to the love of my life. We fought against an unknown enemy until 4 days before he passed. So there was hope almost until the end. He was picky too with whom he interacted. I totally get that. You don't want to waste time. I believe the biggest gift I got from ALS (yes, that was a gift) was the closeness that developed during the last half year of his life. I never was that close to any other human being in my entire life. Thank you for giving me peace of mind by explaining that the ALS clinic didn't really change anything except for the coordination of medical treatments. Thank you for your updates. It made a huge difference to follow your journey in the way I grieve for my husband. You are my hero!!!!
You are such a joy to listen to. Yes, it’s hard to depend on other people for personal things, I’ve been there after surgery’s, you would do the same for them, I’m sure. Bless you for being so positive and informative. I’m sure you have helped someone out there with ALS to get thru one day at a time,. With others who are struggling with other challenges, your honesty and faith, I’m sure have helped them. Bless you and family.
Darin, I look forward to your IG stories every day. Everything you have shared has always been an inspiration. “Go find some joy” has become my daily mantra and what I share with my students each day during morning meeting. You have not just inspired me but so many others. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU. I continue to pray for you and your family daily.
Darin you have a beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. May the Lord hold you close and be your comfort. Much love ❤️ Praying for you. Go find some joy!
Darin, I am praying for you and your family as you walk this difficult road. Your hope is an inspiration to many. Sending so much love and rooting for you! “Thanks be to God, for He always causes us to triumph.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Diagnosed last week and I'm hanging on every video. What spoke to me so loudly in this vid was the filter out the negative!!! I joined an als FB group and it's sooooo negative. Thank you Darin for being so honest about how hard this is AND doing it in a joyful way. You are helping me more than you know. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" Rom 12:15
God bless you for your transparency and generosity in sharing this experience with the world. ALS is a terrible disease, and you are an exceptional man🙏❤️
Hit send too soon. My mom passed from ALS in May, and our relationship was historically rocky. The year I spent helping to care for her and love her in and through her suffering was a profound and priceless gift. Our entire extended family experienced so much healing and reconciliation, even the darkness of her suffering. Praise God her race is now won. She never found your level of acceptance with the diagnosis, and I can’t begin to explain what a gift you are giving your family by living in both acceptance and radical hope. May the Lord pour out abundant graces and consolations for you and your wife and children.
You are very courageous Darin! And brave to embrace the mission of finding joy in the midst of this challenge. Dont forget how amazing that is. You are giving others courage and strength and a new perspective to better their lives ❤
Thank you for being real and authenic. I know this disease is hard but you have such grace and dignity. That is so inspiring to me. I have watched you for years. Keep up the faith and hope. God bless you and your family.
Oh my gosh. You are a bright light. I watched your videos after I had acdf surgery last December. I was watching another person's video today and your's came up in the side bar. I clicked on the old acdf video and then went to look for updates from you and found your ALS videos. Hang in there. Keep shining like you do.
Mr. N! You’re a light, an inspiration! You’re an Angel of God! Your positivity is such a sign the Lord is holding your hand so strong! Your challenges makes our hurdles seem so insignificant! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your authenticity! Prayers & virtual hugs from Paraguay! 🇵🇾
I love you Darin. You are inspirational and the courage you have is heartfelt. I think about you often and want you to always be comfortable as you go through each phase of this awful disease. Having a great support team is critical. I’m sure your family is going through very tough times also and you support each other and have so much joy. You’re a wonderful person and continue to be an excellent teacher helping us learn about ALS. I lost my girlfriend the day after her 70th birthday. You are so loved by family and you are truly blessed to have them. I’ll check in on your next update. ❤️❤️❤️
Darin, many years ago my husband broke his hand and could not dress himself for several weeks. He said it was humiliating. I am not in any way making light of your illness or comparing it to my husband’s experience. I just want you to know that your feelings are valid. Your family understands that, and they love you enough to take care of whatever you need.
Well said …
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The one big thing to helped with my husbands dignity is a bidet . The first time I had to assist my husband in the bathroom , I cried because I knew how hard it was for him , then I heard him crying because he thought it was difficult on me . Then we both started laughing with relief because we realized we’re gonna be fine because we both were feeling the same compassion for each other . My husband and I were young when we got married 20 and 25 and as we said our vows I’m sure ALS was not something we even thought about , but in April we will celebrate 44 years married , 17 of those years with ALS , the last 2 years on a ventilator and I’m telling you , ALS will try to test your marriage , I say try because this disease is ruthless , but love ❤️ always wins. We’re a team two are stronger then one . We rely on each other every day . Guard each others hearts ❤
Darin, thank you for these videos and sharing your faith. You’re a blessing. I’m sorry for this diagnosis but we know that you won’t go somewhere God hasn’t gone before you. He is your strength. Praying for you and your family. My husband was diagnosed with ALS 2 years ago. It’s relatively slow progressing even though we can see it moving. He spent two years in the military in the early 70’s so the VA is calling it service related and have been helping with house adaptive things and more. Lord willing, I will be his caregiver. The Lord went before us as he has for you. Keep the joy! Grace grace! God’s strength. Sherri
I will try to find Joy. Watching my beloved husband struggle with stage 4 cancer is not a joyful experience.
But, for you, Mr. N, I will try, Thank you.
Hi Darin, I was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS in February of 2024. I’ve already lost my voice. My swallowing is difficult and I feel my diaphragm getting weaker. I admire your posts!
Thank you Sir ❤️. My husband was diagnosed in April 2024 and we are now navigating life with ALS. “Go find some joy” is a powerful statement
Darin although I am somewhat older then you your symptoms and rate of progression is almost identical the mine.
Thank you for your bravery fighting this bastard of a disease.
You are feeling like you are loosing dignity, yet you are actually forced to depend on others who will be forever grateful that you trusted them with your care. I love your heart in this. You are educating us and letting us see how a person who chooses joy responds to such a very tough disease. Praying
Darin, I’m so sorry for your suffering. I’m learning so much from you that has nothing to do with ALS. I’m trying to change the way I live, to find joy every day and not take the small things in life for granted. Even at this time in your life, you remain a great teacher. I hope you realize that. Sending prayers and love
I got so upset when you talked about the ‘approved’ medicine and how it made you worse, yet the fda seems to have not done much of anything to get the other medicines approved. It’s so frustrating, and I’m so incredibly sorry you are dealing with this. Your courage to vlog your experience is unmeasurable. I cannot imagine what you are going through. This disease scares me to my core. I hope there is a day where no one is affected by this.
I can't imagine maintaining an inkling of faith while experiencing such hardship. it's truly inspirational.
I started to notice muscle and weight lost in November 2023 and was going back and forth seeiing doctors and was told I had als in May of 2024 ,I am now going to try stem cell treatment in a few weeks hoping for some kind of help.
Praying for you, your wife, kids, loved ones & friends! I agree about people telling you how bad this is! When my husband was diagnosed I had someone tell me I had no idea what was about to happen & I was naive. I know it was said outta concern but let me be naive while I can. I've googled like it's my 2nd job so I know what this looks like, let us find joy & laugh. You are loved! You are cherished! You are NOT a burden! Dignity is not the ability to pull up your pants or feed yourself. Dignity is how you speak to others, how you love others & inspire us all. You are the picture of dignity & grace!! Much love to you & yours as we walk this road along side of you ❤️
Thank you for all the joy you share with all of us!
I’m so sorry for what you are going through! Thank you for showing us the reality of this disease. Thank you also for showing us joy in the midst of hardship.
I am not sure if you have the hand or arm strength to use a reacher, grabber tool. If so, there are different types on the market that can be helpful for things like pulling up pants and grabbing things. Some have silicone grips. One has suction cup grips. I am not sure if they would help with your particular situation and you may have even already tried it. If they don’t help you at this stage, maybe they could help someone else reading your comments. I just wish I could make things better for you somehow.
You are a wonderful person! I admire you so much! I have been blessed by your videos. You are beautiful! Thank you!
I love listening to you so much Darin. You my dear are an inspiration to me in my everyday life and I don’t have ALS. I’m 76, retired and live alone. Family is not in my life much anymore. I have chronic pain from osteoarthritis and I do my best to move around. You have such an upbeat attitude and I love that. I lost my girlfriend one day after celebrating her 70th birthday. She had recently moved into assisted living on the ALS floor. She loved it there and I’d go often to have lunch with her. Her disease progressed rapidly and she ended up with an electric wheelchair that she loved. Her legs were no longer functioning yet she could transfer from her chair to the toilet during the day with no problem. The day after her birthday she fell between the toilet and the wall and was so wedged she couldn’t pull the alarm she wore around her neck. We were all devastated. I think about her every day. I walk outside everyday no matter how bad I hurt and I feel grateful that I can still walk. I try to focus being outdoors rather than the pain I’m in. Boy, we do get curves in life and knowing how much you loved teaching, I know how tough it is that you can’t teach anymore. I admire you and I’ll be with you until you can’t make videos anymore! You’re strong in the mind and you can still do many things like you are doing with these videos. Love to you and your caring wife! 👍👏💕
Darin, you continue to be a teacher. What a gift to the world!❤
Bless you Darin-when I’m feeling down, I think of you. Thanks for the joy you share.❤❤❤
Hi Darin…..greetings from Toronto. Thank you for sharing your feelings today. Today at Temple, our minister’s dharma talk was exactly what you spoke about today in your video. He said, don’t worry about the days ahead, just focus on today, and to be thankful for everything….today. He shared a story about his friend who had ALS. His friend George would say, “although I cannot use my hand like I used to, I do still have the ability to raise my arm”. And when he lost ability to raise his arm, George said he was grateful for being able to lift his head up. And close to the end of his life, the minister went to visit George. George smiled and said how grateful he was to open his eyes and see a new day. I received my “go find some joy” t-shirt. I love it. It reminds me to not sweat over the small stuff and to simply find joy. Thanks Darin. Take good care. Gambatte.
Thank you for the Truth
I just found your channel today. I watched the video of you sharing your diagnosis and this on.e. I felt encouraged to hear you talk about having choices. To me if you are intentionally making choices then you are truly living no matter your circumstances. Continue choosing love. It the most powerful thing any of us can do!! 💖
Darin, I’m sorry about your diagnosis and how life is getting harder for you. I want you to know I’m praying for you. I’m confident there are others here doing the same. This is your spiritual,journey,that you never contemplated, I’m sure, but you are full of grace and dignity and I have so much respect for you. Sending ❤️ to you and your beautiful wife
I am in that limbo of my regular neurologist sending me for second opinion with the referral stating “concern for als”….I feel like I have it. I feel like no one wants to tell me because it is too sad. But I need to know. I’m being seen at the neurology clinic at University of Michigan and am waiting for a referral to their brachial plexus clinic as my presenting symptom is weakness of my left shoulder and arm. I appreciate your candor and positive outlook. All while keeping it real. Watching your videos makes me feel like I’m sitting there with you, talking to a friend. Keeping posting, it is immensely helpful. Thank you
❤ finding joy ❤
Your videos help me understand what my husband is going through on his ALS journey. It means a lot to us. Thank you.
The world is a better place with you in it! Thanks for sharing your journey!
I am so sorry Darin. You were dealt a bad hand but please keep fighting. You deserve to be cared for❤
Bless you, honey. Your videos are so real and needed. I pray that you and your family continue to live each day with Joy,Love and Peace. Sending hugs and love from the UK xx
I live in London and have Mnd I am involved in a trail called Mndsmart I was diagnosed nearly 3 years ago I find what you say very familiar keep going I find what you’re saying very interesting thanks frank
I bought a lift chair because of your salesmanship when you told us about yours, I really like it. I know what you mean about losing your dignity with ALS. Having someone have to help with the shower is hard for me. I was diagnosed August 27, 2024. However, I believe I’ve had ALS for at least a year and a half before that. No one seems to be able to diagnose it! I live in Tennessee. There are many good things like an ALS wheelchair and an eye gaze communication device. I haven’t gotten mine yet, but they are in the works, I’ve been given equipment to help with bathroom needs. I’m so glad you have a wonderful wife and beautiful children who obviously love you so much. I also have two daughters who are married and five grandchildren who are grown. We’re also very close, but they don’t live in the town with me, my church has been so kind and bringing food twice a week. My husband is not a cook, but he has had to do a lot of caregiving. am employing a young lady to come several hours each day to help with many things that house needs to survive. I am 77 years old, and also a former teacher. I know you loved teaching, but you have been teaching me and many others how to persevere through this disease that has been assigned to us. I know you have faith as I do. God is with us and one day sooner than later, we will see his face.
Sending you all the hope! I hope every day you can find joy. Prayers for strength!❤
You are our inspiration❤
Hi Darin. Sometimes I find myself getting down and feeling like things are pretty hopeless. Then I think of how brave you are and the good fight you're putting up That gives me strength to press on. Thank you.
Darin you are an inspiration to so many!! I pray for grace,peace and white lite around you.
Continued prayers and hugs sent 🙏🙏❤️🇨🇦
Thanks and God bless you ! Lets find joy every day!❤🎉
This breaks my heart, such an horrible disease. My wish for you to have more goods days than bad. Thank you for sharing your journey ❤
Love your unbreakable spirit and wise words. Appreciate you Darin, let's find some joy.
Darin, you are an inspiration in the face of adversity. Your courage is contagious and is helpful to so many! You hang in there...we're thinking of you and wish you the best!
You are a good man Darin and so honest dealing with this. It is an awful disease and hope a cure will be found. Sending hugs, prayers and joy. 🙏🙏🙏♥♥♥
Thank you for the joy. Me beloved friend has ALS, and when we don't focus on the joy, it's terrible. The focus counts. Hugs!
Thank you so much for documenting your journey. I know you will help countless people in various struggles. Sending you all the love from Atlanta.
Darin, Try & Stay positive. We are praying for you & your family. I lost someone very dear to me from ALS but he had it for 17 years. Fight ,Dont give up!! Always know there is always Hope !🙏🏻💙
You are continuing to be in my prayers. I enjoy watching your reels and RUclips videos. Just know you are such an inspiration to everyone out in the world! You have a lot of love and joy coming your way! ❤️ 🙏🏼
you are in my heart and prayers dear one in this challenging time. you are so inspiring and a beautiful soul.
Hey Darin, you will continue to be a teacher for all of us. That’s the highest office anyone can obtain so safeguard and treasure what you can do to inspire the people you love. And strangers alike. All will carry your lessons of life for generations to come.
Always keeping you in my prayers and I’m encouraged by your courage and humor with each video. Thank you for reminding us all to find joy wherever and whenever we are able.❤️🌺
Thankyou for sharing this Darin. I was diagnosed last October 2023. Hearing you is like listening to my thoughts. I don't want to hear what's going to happen anymore I'm living day to day. I was laughing at you saying about pulling up trousers ,as we inUK call pants. My husband too has to pull mine up sometimes too and we laugh about it, our relationship still the same and I am lucky. He doesn't let me be despondent and we focus on what we can do and live life to the fullest. When I was diagnosed I actually wished I had cancer instead, as there are many people cured and we have no cure yet, but since my diagnosis my brother in law has passed from cancer and a close friend is in her final stages so that was a wake up to appreciate how lucky I am , with friends and family. There is joy still in life and hope. Keep doing these videos, its a pleasure to listen to you and I love to see your garden. I have faith we will see a cure in our lifetime and that also keeps me strong. Take care and see you soon ❤
I have so much respect for you. You’re so humble. God Bless you. Prayers
Your backyard is amazing! Take care, get joy, be with your friends and family.
The way you find positivity and find joy is an inspiration to many. Thank you for all that you do.
Darin, you are so inspirational for always bringing out the joy of living every moment no matter what…Your personality is full of honesty, warmth, kindness, thoughtfulness, positivity, elegance and enthusiasm from your very first video ( winning the sweeps) to now…You really bring light and love to everyone who knows you and watches your videos! ❤from Montreal
Sending allllll my love your way, Darin! I always talk about finding my new normal when navigating hard things. It sounds like your normal is changing rapidly. Thank you for sharing your story. Your heart. You have always been real and authentic with the world- I remember getting so much inspiration from you when I was a teacher. Praying for you and your family and friends as you continue to journey through this illness and the challenges together. Know that you are loved and appreciated and cared for always. 💕
Darin you are the most positive person I know. Well I feel like I know you. I started watching your teaching vlogs many years ago. I remember seeing you on a skateboard, rolling into school. It may have been spring or summer. I will find joy and reminder myself to bypass the negativity that surrounds my world and look for the joy instead. Thank you for being real and showing your followers hope, compassion, and gratefulness. You are still teaching because that is who you are. ❤
Thank you for continuing to let us witness you dealing with ALS 🙏🙏🙏❤️
From one human being to another, I love you and appreciate you sharing your story. You have helped me to find and encourage others to find joy everyday. I pray for you and all others diagnosed with ALS. Find some Joy 🫂!
Thank you SO much for your Truth and your words. They encourage me and I'm sure many, many others to look around ourselves and find the beauty and blessings that are right beside us, even with the challenges we face. Your body may have lost strength but your incredible, indelible spirit shines through brighter with every moment. Now I will go find some joy!
Darin I have followed you for quite a while and loved your positive spirit in the educational field. I know you are a Christian and I am saying prayers for you right now. May God be especially close to you through this journey! You have made an impact and difference with your presence! Much love to you!
Continued prayers for you, my friend!
You encouraged me as a teacher so much during Covid shutdown. now, I want to encourage you. Let’s find some joy together.
My hubby experienced the same as you with cervical surgery to repair stenosis in 11/2022 and he never got back to his normal self. He started to decline. We live in a small town in south west Arizona and healthcare here is limited. He’s been going to Phoenix to see a specialist and just had EMG. At one time he was diagnosed with MS and they couldn’t confirm it on the MRI. His testing showed negative to everything. He is been walking with a walker for a year now and he says he feels so weak and heavy. I pray that he gets a diagnosis soon. He is grieving his prior life, working all his life building things was his therapy and now he is unable to that. He misses his co workers and the fun he had working . I pray for you and your family!
God is good and I know he is with you!
Hi Darrin. Yesterday 1/20/24 my husband was diagnosed with ALS. Very sad news
No doubt, the growing dependence on others to do things for you has got to be a huge hit on the foundation of your life as an adult. In a broader sense, your dignity transcends the physical, into the spiritual and emotional --an aura that remains intact regardless. You remain strong, decisive, and for now, able to articulate and are an honorable model of a fighter.Thank you for this!
Darin❤i am sending prayers to you and your family as you battle this disease with grace and strength. You inspire me everyday to go find some joy. I hope you feel the love surrounding you in this space. Many HUGS❤
You are doing a great service via these vids -- teaching us about this mysterious disease -- how to live with it and the emotions that come with it. Thank you so much.❤️🌿🌻👏
I don't know why your channel came to me other than it's the morning of going to my therapist . How you just encouraged me is unbelievable !
Praying for you Brother!! You are such a brave man. We are praying everyday for you!! Go find some joy!!
Darin, thank you for the update. You arebon my prayer list and I ask the Lord to sjiw you His grace & mercy. How wonderful that yoyr remaining days will have joy. It’s a minset.
Godbis on your side and keeps blessing you❤️
So true Darin..i hate seeing comments that say ALS is horrific or whatever. I think people say that to connect to relate or because they care or because it has touched them personally but you are right....we dont want to hear how terrible it is or who you know who died from it. Not helpful
You are an inspiration to all. God bless you! Thank you for encouraging joy.
Praying for you!! ❤ I love your advice about not giving time to fake people. I’m learning to create healthy boundaries for my own peace.
Unrelated but your hair looks good. 😊 I hope you know what an inspiration you are to so many. Going to go find some joy. 🥹
Thank you for sharing your story….
You are very brave and helping others as well educating others as to what you and your loved ones are enduring..
May God bless and watch over you ..❤
Darin just know that you are in my prayers daily. Praise God for your attitude and your knowledge that He loves you! ❤🙏🏻.
I absolutely hate that you and your family are having to go through this, but I want you to know that I feel joy and hope in watching your journey. I haven’t given up on a miracle and I’m still praying for you! Go find some joy!
The balancing & thoughtfulness you share are down to earth and appreciated even the aspects that are difficult. You are often sitting in settings, inviting & comforting---here, your dog, a fire, a blanket, a sky. Thank you for the visit & welcome.
Such an inspiration!!! Sorry things are progressing and life is getting more challenging but what a wonderful teacher of presence and joy. I have stage 4 ovarian and you're videos make me sad but also really encourage me too.. I feel like giving you a reassuring hug and saying I love you Man!!! Am finding joy everyday... best of all wishes wished for you.
We lost our mom to ALS on Friday the 13 November 2020 she was a fighter and we miss her dearly❤ find some joy
Bless you, Darin, and bless your family.
Thanks Darin, your honesty and good character are a shining light to those who may find themselves in similar situation now and in future.
As always, love you, Darin. You encourage me so much. I haven't told you this before, but I am caring for my husband and my sister, both of whom are in varying stages of dementia. I understand the loss of dignity and autonomy. And I also understand that there are still many funny moments, tender moments, and loving moments each day. Joy is always there to be found. You just have to look for it.
You are amazing Darin. I walked my husband's ALS journey together with him. I saw how hard it was for him to lose his dignity. I want to assure you that I never considered it a burden - even the most pesky task I had to do for him didn't cause any resentment. If you decide to add a professional caretaker ... know that this is their job. They chose to help. I hate ALS and what it did to the love of my life. We fought against an unknown enemy until 4 days before he passed. So there was hope almost until the end. He was picky too with whom he interacted. I totally get that. You don't want to waste time. I believe the biggest gift I got from ALS (yes, that was a gift) was the closeness that developed during the last half year of his life. I never was that close to any other human being in my entire life. Thank you for giving me peace of mind by explaining that the ALS clinic didn't really change anything except for the coordination of medical treatments. Thank you for your updates. It made a huge difference to follow your journey in the way I grieve for my husband. You are my hero!!!!
You are such a joy to listen to. Yes, it’s hard to depend on other people for personal things, I’ve been there after surgery’s, you would do the same for them, I’m sure. Bless you for being so positive and informative. I’m sure you have helped someone out there with ALS to get thru one day at a time,. With others who are struggling with other challenges, your honesty and faith, I’m sure have helped them. Bless you and family.
Darin, sharing your truthful experience and how you handle life is inspirational. God bless you and your family.
You have so much goodness around you & go find some joy
Darin, I look forward to your IG stories every day. Everything you have shared has always been an inspiration. “Go find some joy” has become my daily mantra and what I share with my students each day during morning meeting. You have not just inspired me but so many others. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU. I continue to pray for you and your family daily.
Bless your beautiful heart ❤ much love to you and your family. Your dog is so cute ❤🐶 xxx
Go find some joy ❤️🫂 xxx
Darin you have a beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. May the Lord hold you close and be your comfort. Much love ❤️ Praying for you.
Go find some joy!
I have MS and You give me hope and joy! Thank-you sir.
Darin,
I am praying for you and your family as you walk this difficult road. Your hope is an inspiration to many. Sending so much love and rooting for you! “Thanks be to God, for He always causes us to triumph.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Diagnosed last week and I'm hanging on every video. What spoke to me so loudly in this vid was the filter out the negative!!! I joined an als FB group and it's sooooo negative. Thank you Darin for being so honest about how hard this is AND doing it in a joyful way. You are helping me more than you know. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" Rom 12:15
Thank you ❣️
God bless you for your transparency and generosity in sharing this experience with the world. ALS is a terrible disease, and you are an exceptional man🙏❤️
Hit send too soon. My mom passed from ALS in May, and our relationship was historically rocky. The year I spent helping to care for her and love her in and through her suffering was a profound and priceless gift. Our entire extended family experienced so much healing and reconciliation, even the darkness of her suffering. Praise God her race is now won. She never found your level of acceptance with the diagnosis, and I can’t begin to explain what a gift you are giving your family by living in both acceptance and radical hope. May the Lord pour out abundant graces and consolations for you and your wife and children.
You are very courageous Darin! And brave to embrace the mission of finding joy in the midst of this challenge. Dont forget how amazing that is. You are giving others courage and strength and a new perspective to better their lives ❤
Thank you for being real and authenic. I know this disease is hard but you have such grace and dignity. That is so inspiring to me. I have watched you for years. Keep up the faith and hope. God bless you and your family.
Oh my gosh. You are a bright light. I watched your videos after I had acdf surgery last December. I was watching another person's video today and your's came up in the side bar. I clicked on the old acdf video and then went to look for updates from you and found your ALS videos. Hang in there. Keep shining like you do.
Good to see you. Enjoy your videos. ❤
Go find some joy. ❤️🙏🏻
Mr. N! You’re a light, an inspiration! You’re an Angel of God! Your positivity is such a sign the Lord is holding your hand so strong! Your challenges makes our hurdles seem so insignificant! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your authenticity! Prayers & virtual hugs from Paraguay! 🇵🇾
Such a faithful witness❤. Bless you!!
Love you so much Darin and so grateful for you! Your message Find Joy has blessed me and inspired me to focus on the joy each day brings!
I am going thru that right now. This disease takes everything away😢😢
So sorry 🙏
So sorry you are going thru this..sending you prayers
Damit. Hate als.
Prayers sent 🙏🙏❤️🇨🇦
Thank you for sharing brother
God Bless - Your videos are just simply powerful messages for all!