ALS robs people of muscle control. That means muscles we want to control don’t work as well and then stop working entirely.

Except the brain, of course.

My brain MRI showed “less than age expected atrophy.” I consider that a compliment from a trained medical professional.

Loss of muscle control varies among people with ALS. Most lose strength and control of arms and legs first. Others lose the ability to speak and swallow. Posture is affected, too. Finally, breathing muscles begin to weaken and stiffen and respiratory distress sets in.

My version of ALS is in reverse order. Respiratory and back muscles are the worst while others muscles– legs, feet, arms, hands– are less affected but there is damage.

My pinky finger does not work. Or, rather, it cannot be controlled well.

Do you remember Mr. Spock from Star Trek? One of Spock’s signature moves was to split his fingers–left and right– and say, “Live long and prosper.”

I could never replicate Spock’s hand and finger move. Until now. Well, almost.

My pinky finger has gone astray and will not connect with the nearest finger.

I call it “Live long and plucky.”