ALS ravaged his body. ALS took his life.

Just eleven months ago, the news came in. The prior three months, he knew something was wrong. Diagnosis: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease (circa 1938). Now it was known to us as Deane's Disease. None of us thought ALS would take him so quickly.

ALS took his life, but not his spirit. I have been thinking about Deane's legacy; the one he left with me.

Five Things Deane Taught Me: [1] When you LAUGH, laugh out loud. [2] When you HUG, hug with might. [3] When you SPEAK, always have an encouraging word. [4] Each and every day, REACH OUT. Look for that one person who needs what you can give, and give it to them. [5] Each and every day, be GRATEFUL.

My friend Deane. Away, but not gone.