In a col hospital room, you watch the doctor. He towers over your best friend of twenty-three years. “ALS always wins.” His words slice through the air like an eighteen-inch chainsaw blade rips through a green oak log. You wonder if the doctor knows anything about winning. He knows nothing about Dora, a strong woman with a higher calling. You struggle to control the surge of rage rising in you. The doctor repeats his statement several times. You watch Dora’s calmness in admiration. She refuses to fight against ALS. An avid Gardner, animal lover and dedicated nurturer of people, Dora chose life on her ALS journey. 

Long strokes on the black cat’s back. Dora wins.
The sun’s warm shower over her. Sitting in the presence of the magnolia. Dora wins.

A vase of bright yellow daffodils. White pansies with purple faces planted in the flower box on the north patio. Slow, gentle rubs of the dog’s head.  Dora wins.

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Listening to music – country in the morning blues in the evening. Dora wins.

Laughing even when her infectious laugh was long gone. Dora wins. 

Refusing to take the easy route. Dora wins.
Holding tight to her determination, independence and uplifting attitude. Dora wins.

Setting her own criteria for winning. Dora wins.
Accepting eternal healing. Dora wins.

Believing in the Boa Flouncer. Encouraging the Flouncer as a literary artist. Mentoring the Flouncer on how to treat others with dignity and respect. Giving the Flouncer the strength to become an advocate for ALS Awareness. Dora wins.