Name:
Charles H. Dyer, Jr.
City, State:
Jonesboro, Georgia
Age: 64
Family:
Spouse: Saralyn S. Dyer, Sons: Charles H. Dyer, III and Chad S. Dyer, Grandchildren: Meghan and Zachary Dyer.
Hobbies/Interests: Target shooting, light mechanic work, fishing, spending time with my two grandchildren, and looking forward to a new grandchild in August.
Date of ALS diagnosis: August 2003
Life before ALS: I have always been athletic, and I enjoyed participating in various sports. I worked for Delta Air Lines for thirty-eight years and retired in January 2002, as an Engine Inspector in the Boeing 767 Engine Shop.
Life with ALS: I enjoyed target shooting, fishing, and repairing things around the house. I can never give up just because I have ALS. I must stay active and make this disease run to get me down. I was never good at bird hunting until now. Thanks to the way I shake when I aim, I aim at the whole sky, and the birds don’t stand a chance. I have to keep my humor and be happy with what I can still do and not waste time worrying about what I can’t do. Jesus still loves me, and everything is going to be okay.
How has ALS brought new significance to your life: When I was first diagnosed at the Emory Clinic, which is the greatest place to be a part of, I fell into the trap of making a mental list of all the things that I could not do anymore. That was a waste of time, so I started trying to do whatever I could to see what I could do. Some things I have had to let go, but I have been able to find other things to take place of those that I am able to do. Winston Churchill said it best, “NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER!” |
