Of course, as soon as I proclaim a TV fast, there would come along a show that I want to see. I'm a big documentary fan and just read about So Much, So Fast, a documentary that is airing on PBS this week.
It's the story of Stephen Heywood, who at age 29, discovered he had the paralyzing neural disorder Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ninety percent of victims die within 5 years of their diagnosis. You keep your mind, but lose speech and motor control, and the ability to eat and breath unassisted.
Instead of shrinking up and dying Stephen decided to marry his girlfriend and raise a son. "What will people say? Doesn't matter," his wife said. "Yes, I would have this man's baby. I would live any amount of time with this man." They are a fearless, strong, hopeful family.
The film So Much, So Fast is a compelling journey, following Stephen's and his family's choices over a five year period as his condition worsens, his son grows and his family rallies around him—all the while with Stephen keeping his sense of humor.
We don't know how long we have left on this earth, but what would you do if you only had five years to live? Now that's a question to ponder. That and should I really break my TV fast for this show? After all, it technically falls under educational television. Right? *smile*
