Connections of Love, Peace & Joy

By Susan Tamasi

My husband and I attended a special event last Friday night at the Boston Park Plaza hotel — the 2024 Compassionate Care ALS Gala with our friends Della and Ron Larsen.

Sue Tamasi (right) with Della Larsen

Della, a retired kindergarten teacher and longtime Canton resident, was diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — last April and has found strength to live each day to the fullest with grace and joy. CCALS has worked with more than 4,500 ALS patients and their families, allowing them to pioneer a unique style of care that addresses the myriad of services often overlooked by the traditional medical system. CCALS provides essential physical, emotional, and spiritual guidance that is crucial for individuals and families like the Larsen family to navigate the difficult challenges of ALS.

This wonderful event was all about making connections. Listening to heartfelt stories that made you cry, laugh, and reflect on how life is so short and embracing every moment with people you love.

Over the course of this year, Della has made a huge impact on so many lives by sharing her stories on Instagram. People from all over the world are following her journey. She is a magnificent teacher, bringing awareness of medical care and trial drugs with visits to Washington, D.C., local gatherings at the Canton Public Library, and so much more. Della truly is a beacon of light, helping people living with ALS.

Della’s Instagram shares are so funny! The Lays potato chips, vanilla ice cream and a nice glass of wine. The “stick” not cane, the good socks, and silk pajama bottoms are included in her posts with a twinkle in her pretty eyes and big smile.

I would like to share an excerpt from a book I keep by my bedside bureau titled Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness and Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh:

“A.J. Muste, the mid-20th-century leader of the peace movement in America who inspired millions of people, said, ‘There is no way to peace; peace is the way.’ This means that we can realize peace right in the present moment with our look, our smile, our words, and our actions. Peace work is not a means. Each step we make should be peace. Each step we make should be joy. Each step we make should be happiness. If we are determined, we can do it. We don’t need the future. We can smile and relax. Everything we want is right here in the present moment.”

Della Larsen has inspired millions of people with her huge, compassionate heart. She has chosen love, peace, and joy. She smiles and takes action, living her life in the present moment.

ALS will not destroy her loving and kind spirit. The amazing love and support from her wonderful family, dog Sandy, and Team Della fuels her strength. Della will continue to raise her fist in the air and smile: “Not today ALS, not today!”

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Posted by Guest on May 23 2024. Filed under Featured Content. Both comments and pings are currently closed.