OUR VIEW: Being positive can bring hope to others

» SUMMARY: Two stories in the news offer hope amid cause for concern.

Of anyone in Culpeper, Lee Linthicum just might have the best outlook on life. And that's pretty amazing, because he's slowly succumbing to a painful disease with no cure.

In a three-part series earlier this week, staff writer Katie Dolac profiled Linthicum, a 46-year-old father of two in the middle stages of ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Linthicum must use a wheelchair to get around, and each day the disease saps a little bit more of his muscle control.

Eventually, he will labor to speak, chew, swallow and breathe. He'll likely be dead by age 50.

Despite his terminal condition, Linthicum has found reason to believe. The disease, he admits, made him refocus his priorities and reflect on God's blessings. He's increasingly thankful for his wife, children and friends. His cup is always half full. He prays all the time.

"I feel God's in control," Linthicum said. "He put me here for a reason."

Indeed. Linthicum serves as an inspiration for many, including young people he meets online who have come down with ALS.

Above all, his positive attitude and strong spiritual walk have provided the rest of us with a reason to smile.

Fifteen bands will be in concert Saturday at Culpeper Agricultural Enterprises to benefit Linthicum and his family. The music starts about 1 p.m.

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For years, the Food Closet's Thanksgiving box program has been a source of charitable pride for Culpeper. But when the church-affiliated ministry announced last month that a lack of funds was putting the annual program in jeopardy, our community's response was nothing short of overwhelming.

The Food Closet, based at St. Stephen's Episcopal, received about $20,000 in donations from individuals, community leaders and other nonprofit organizations.

Simply amazing. Big-time kudos to everyone who helped the cause.