Posted on 03/04/2005 10:29:19 PM PST by withteeth
Des Moines, February 24th, 2005 - His unique style and perspective have drawn readers to the Des Moines Register for years. Today columnist Rob Borsellino wrote about his own life and how he's dealing with the diagnosis of a deadly disease.
Rob Borsellino went public with a very personal struggle. He announced in his column on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Lou Gherig's Disease, a terminal, neurological disorder also known as ALS. How do you tell people you have a fatal disease?. If you're Des Moines Register columnist Rob Borsellino you write about it.
"I was having trouble talking, feeling weakness in my hand. I ignored it and ignored it". Rob finally went to the doctor last November. "He sent me to a neurologist that day. They all told me pretty much the same thing, Lou Gherig's disease...end of discussion".
Rob's wife Rheka also a columnist for the Register was with Rob when he heard the diagnosis. He says watching her and their two sons come to terms with all of this is the worst part. "When I allow myself to go there, won't be there for the weddings, won't be there for the grandkids I go nuts".
And Rob doesn't obsess about it. The New York native whose accent is still clear, even though his speech is slurred is focused on positive things. "I've got this incredible support in this town and in some respects it's put my life into perspective. I don't get upset about the guy who cuts me off or kid who leaves shoes. None of that makes sense to get upset anymore".
Rob says his approach to life is calmer and his approach to death seems reflective. "I'm 55, I've done a lot of things. I 've got a great job, marriage, been to Asia. Done what I want to do and in that sense I'm ready".
Physically Rob is doing very well. He says the only time it really hits him is when he has trouble buttoning his shirt or combing his hair. His mind is fine, this isn't like Alzheimer's were he'll lose his cognitive abilities. And he's planning trips to New York, Washington and Puerto Rico in the next few months.
Not that it matters in his case, but if you start having trouble speaking, how can you ignore it? I'd be in the emergency room five minutes after it started.
I'm being too harsh and suspicious perhaps
I think Rob has looked like death warmed over for years. This doesn't suprise me.
In his "coming out" column he still decided to take a shot at Republicans. He could not resist. I am betting he will write about his deteriorating condition and will be nominated by the DMR for a Pulitzer Prize for his service to humanity much like the Register did with the writer who chronicled a woman's rape many years ago. He has always looked ill to me. I think it is because he trys to wear that NY hood style in DSM which looks ridiculous.
Gee, ya think? [rolls eyes]
"Why, he's a flaming liberal - he MUST be faking it!"
Whatever his politics, Borsellino's a good guy, and ALS is a horrific way to go. It seems like trolling to post an article like this, as if one is expecting someone to say something callous and evil.
SW
more like posting, 'did anyone else see this'? He was on Aaron Brown and frankly it struck me as a con job.
My father-in-law died from ALS at the age of 58 in '97. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, not even a lowlife liberal hack.
I don't wish this or any other affliction on anyone. That being said, Borsellino and his wife with a different last name are complete loons. I was really happy when they packed their bags and moved back east, taking uppity potshots on their departure. Came back with their tails between their legs a couple of years later. Guess they couldn't hack it in the big city they love so much.
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