I use something called Drupal (you don't need to know what that is) and I'm an avid reader of the blog by drupal developer Aaron Winborn. Any time I feel things are getting me down, a read of his blog is enough to get things in perspective. In case you're wondering this isn't a blog about software development and is worth reading.
Aaron suffers from ALS, better known to Brits as Motor Neurone Disease. The most famous sufferer is probably Stephen Hawking.
The thing about Professor Hawking is that he's quite an unusual case. The disease kills pretty much everyone who suffers it, and usually fairly quickly. Hawking has lived far, far longer than anyone initially expected.
For Aaron things don't look so lengthy and this father, husband and (as far as I can tell) all round great guy isn't going to be around much longer. Over the last year his ALS has progressed from the point of him being able to sit on a blanket with his family (July 2012) to being completely wheelchair bound, unable to move his limbs or speak (July 2013) and he doesn't expect to see his next birthday.
Though I'm sure there have been times of borderline, if not actual, despair, and many tears cried, Aaron comes across as a positive yet realistic character; his greatest concern being for his family.
If you have a moment, take a look at Aaron's blog. Particularly if you find yourself feeling that things are going badly. His positive realism might be helpful to you as in my own experience, when things seem to be going terribly... they could be so much worse and more than anything, I just need a reality check.
aaronwinborn.com
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