#42 When ALS Hits Home: Julia Krispeal on Caretaking, Grief, Parenting, and Resilience

On this episode of Curveball, Scott Reich sits down with Julia Krispeal, a powerhouse in Long Island, New York, real estate and mother of two whose life was turned upside down when her husband was diagnosed with ALS. Julia shares her raw, honest journey through heartbreak, uncertainty, and resilience—from searching the country for answers, to raising her young sons while caring for her ailing husband, to ultimately finding strength and clarity in the face of unimaginable loss. Get ready for an inspiring story about navigating the unknown, redefining what matters, and the enduring impact of empathy and hope.

What Listeners Will Learn:

1. Julia Krispeal describes the lengthy and stressful process of getting an ALS diagnosis for her husband.
2. Julia’s young children adapted to their father's illness with grace.
3. The episode explores anticipatory grief—the process of grieving before an actual loss.
4. Julia mentions the importance of self-care for caregivers.
5. The conversation touches on friends and family who show up during times of crisis—and those who don’t.
6. Julia became involved in every aspect of her husband's care, but also involved her children in practical caregiving tasks.
7. Both Scott and Julia reflect on what kinds of support are truly helpful during a family crisis.
8. Throughout the episode, Julia discusses resilience.
9. She hints at writing a book about her journey.

Key Moments:

(00:00) ALS Journey and Family Struggles

(05:19) Challenges of Medical Diagnoses

(09:33) ALS Diagnosis: Unforgettable Moment

(12:23) Empathy Through Adversity

(13:39) Resilience Through Life's Challenges

(18:06) Living as an ALS Caregiver

(21:43) Navigating Parenthood's Complex Choices

(25:08) Acceptance of Others' Limitations

(27:26) Helping Without Asking

(29:51) Control Reactions, Not Distractions