For Amy

[The video is a song Morgan Myles, Amy and Robert's help during this time, wrote and composed for Amy to Will and Catherine]

Over the last four-plus years our lives have been brought into a richer focus and deeper appreciation because of Amy. I've known Amy since Roland started school with Will when they were four-months old. We've also come to know her amazing husband Robert and sweet daughter Catherine. Amy and I would routinely dash into the school doors just in time to pick up the kids. Quickly there was a cane, then a special car, then no pickup at all. The last time Amy visited the school she was in a full body motorized wheelchair, but smiling.

How I wish you could even call it a fight, but that's giving the patient too much credit in a battle they will absolutely not win. But Amy did fight,  with ridiculous courage, reassuring humour and graceful determination. Robert and Amy championed ALS conferences, organized ALS fundraisers and lead local walks. She demonstrated such incredible strength throughout. She didn't preach how valuable every single day is, she just showed us how to do it.

Amy passed away at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday night. Today Robert posted a photo of he and the kids, cuddled together on the couch and said, "We're OK..." My chest burns and my throat closes, but I am so grateful for Amy's presence in my life, and for all our friends and family who have fought and our fighting their diseases with equal courage, grace and determination.

So in honor of Amy please do me a favor: do one unexpected good thing for anyone who matters in your life.