Ken,
Your story is so moving. I can tell from the emotion coming through your writing that in a sense this experience has given you your life back. The things you mentioned that you're now able to do, bowling, basketball, and most importantly, playing with your children, well, those are gifts that you can't put a price on.
Live your life during this time to its fullest, Ken. Embrace those things dearest to you, fix the relationships that are broken, and most importantly, love the people that love you with all of your heart.
The future, yours, mine, everyones, is only an wish. Miracles are rare and there's no promise that what works today will work tomorrow. Just remember this: you live right in this very moment, and only in this moment. Your world and those that inhabit it with you are the most important thing, the only thing that really matters. Love them fully and completely - don't hold back.
My very best friend in the world has AS, and his story is just like yours. Since I've known him (4 yrs) he's made a remarkable transformation. He's gone from barely being able to walk to an energetic, enthusiastic man. I've never seen him so happy, yet frustrated, too, because his certain people in his life haven't caught up with his energy yet. But they will, I'm sure. In the mean time, I intend to be there for him, thru thick or thin, when his head aches and his stomach is upset, to talk to, whatever he needs.
I hope you have a friend you can lean on, too. If you do, don't hesitate to let that person know what's going on, the good, bad and everything. A true friend, someone who will always listen and care, can make a very big difference. My friend has made a tremendous difference in my life, too.
Best of everything to you, Ken. Take care.
t
