[For additional postings on Tourette’s, please click the “Categories – Tourette’s link on the sidebar.]
Hallmark Hall of Fame has finally released FRONT OF THE CLASS!
For a wonderful story of a man who struggled with Tourette’s Syndrome his entire life, please check out this story.
(For those also looking for a good TS resource, be sure to also check out the book “Against Medical Advice” by James Patterson, Hal Friedman and Cory Friedman. It’s an excellent [but difficult] resource.]
Pax,
Marty
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted any updates on Drew and his battles with Tourette’s. I appreciate the questions and prayers but I haven’t been too sure what to say…
The fight does go on. His tics persist as we have been told they would until he reaches his late teens. Yes, we believe God may do something. That’s a given based on our faith in Jesus Christ.
But, we know that God is already doing something. My wife (Happy Birthday my bride!) shared at church recently that God is greatly strengthening her faith and trust in Him. I can see how my faith has been growing as well. Drew’s faith is growing and becoming stronger.
That’s the wonderful thing about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter how alone we may feel, how deep the struggle may seem, how high the mountain appears, HE IS THERE!
You are not alone.
I don’t blog much about my little girl, but I’ll share this about her. She is a strong little girl. I know she wonders why her big brother struggles with this. They still fuss and squabble. But when he’s having a tic, she is there*. She holds his hand. She talks calmly to him. She tries to help.
She’s a little reflection of Christ.
So, as you go through your day, think about some of the ways you might be able to be the same. Encourage. Help. Be a blessing.
Yours in Christ,
Marty
*Against Medical Advice (James Patterson, Hal / Cory Friedman) provides a few insights into the life of a sibling of someone with Tourette’s Syndrome. It’s not an easy road either…
Today, I finished reading a book called Jerk, California written by Jonathan Friesen. Like Against Medical Advice by Cory Friedman, this book paints a powerful picture of the struggles of an individual with Tourette’s Syndrome (TS). In contrast to AMA, Jerk is written as a novel – with some autobiographical elements.
In Jerk, the reader is introduced to Sam, a young man on the verge of graduating from high school. Sam’s father died when he was only two and his stepfather is a verbally and physically abusive shell of a man. He has treated Sam like garbage since the onset of his TS.
I’ll skip a lot of plot of the story, but when Sam graduates, his father’s best friend comes for a visit. He issues an invitation to Sam to leave the abusive situation. Sam’s quest towards emotional healing begins.
I recommend reading Jerkfor teens and parents struggling with TS. Friesen’s first-hand knowledge provides incredible insights to what it must be like to wrestle with the disease. The reader is also treated to some perspectives on dating, faith and family. In an “interview with the author” section at the end of the book, Friesen opens up just a bit more of himself as well.
It’s not the easiest read due to some slightly mature subject matter (alcoholism, death, abuse and more), but Friesen handles the subjects with care and heart. The reader won’t be shocked or (most likely) offended at anything. (But again, this is not a book for children – teens or adults only.)
Yours in Christ,
Marty
Sometimes, the more interesting discussions can take place not on the blog comments but in the private emails. In reading this you may feel a bit like you’ve been listening to a radio program and the hosts come back on laughing. You wonder why but they don’t tell you. And that’s essentially what I’m doing here…
With that vague introduction, I want to spend a few minutes just contemplating faith, Jesus, Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) and life in general.
I don’t know what it is like to feel TS the way my son does. I only know it as a father. I read a lot (see Cory Friedman – Against Medical Advice post) to try to get a better understanding. I’ll never know completely but I try to empathize as best I can so I can be a better dad.
But I have heard a few comments about the “cruelness” of the disease. A few of those have also made comments toward God. I’m not quite sure what to do with those…
You see, I do NOT see God as cruel. I know God is incredibly loving and mercy filled. I see and experience His grace and mercy every day.
In contrast, I do know that sin is horrible, tragic and has wrought incredible difficulty on our world. [Don’t misunderstand – I’m NOT saying that Drew sinned so God is punishing him.]
We have sinned. You, me, everyone has fallen short of the glory of God. Sin has consequences. The world is not a perfect place as a result of SIN.
The ramifications don’t always seem fair. My brother grew up with perfect vision while I was legally blind without corrective glasses. While that’s a simplistic example, I’m sure you can think of many more examples of things that don’t seem “fair” in our eyes.
Where is God in all of this? He’s right there. Not as a cruel and harsh gleefully laughing judge but as a kind, compassionate and loving Father. He doesn’t take pleasure in pain. God wants us to turn our hearts to Him in obedience. He wants us to experience His love and peace.
So – what does this mean for those who suffer with Tourette’s (or cancer or Alzheimer’s or poverty or depression or job loss or whatever)?
I don’t have a fancy answer. Try C S Lewis and the Problem of Pain or Philip Yancey’s Where is God When it Hurts. (great books)
But I do have an idea – try leaning a little more on Him. Whatever your issue, trying surrendering a little more of yourself to Him. Realize that we don’t have all the answers, but He is there to offer His love.
Maybe that’s a way of getting a little closer to Him today?
Yours in Christ,
Marty
[For additional postings on Tourette’s, please click the “Categories – Tourette’s link on the sidebar.]
A friend suggested I pick up a copy of a new book called Against Medical Advice by James Patterson and Hal Friedman. Patterson is best known for his novels, but this is a work of non-fiction. It takes the journals and thoughts of Cory Friedman and presents his struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette’s Syndrome and some other issues.
Since my son was diagnosed with Tourette’s two years ago, I’ve endeavored to learn more and more about it. Aside from the medical stuff that I really don’t understand, I want to know about the feelings and emotions inside someone struggling with Tourette’s. I believe that is what is going to help me help my son as best I can.
The book was a difficult read. Cory’s case was one of the most extreme cases. The list of medicines he took was incredible. The doctors’ attitudes were encouraging and deplorable. His struggles with tics and OCD resulted in such a difficult time from five until his very late teens. And, by difficult, I mean broken teeth from biting too hard, torn muscles from tics, etc.
But, in the end, Cory was one of the blessed ones whose Tourette’s decreased as he exited puberty. Of course, that is what I pray for my son also.
So… If you want a good, first-hand insight into some of those struggles and issues, I would suggest reading the book. Of course, I’d also suggest picking up a copy of the Hallmark movie, Front of the Class.
Otherwise – keep praying! Drew is an incredible kid and your prayers give him strength.
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