From the Author;

Many people have helped me along the way in my effort to make this book possible.  It would take too much room to list them all individually, so I would like to say to all of you,  Many thanks to everyone and God Bless you.

Love,

        Clete

(a.k.a. - Dad, Grandpa or Uncle Clete) actually, I now have a Great-Grand-daughter, so I can add another title.  She's a real doll too, so she must take after me.

In closing, I would like to add, that this journey has been one long roller coaster ride, as I'm sure those of you who have Myasthenia Gravis will understand.  It has taken me from absolute rejection of my theories to complete acceptance.  Of course, the acceptance has always been from people who have the condition, the only people who really know, and the only people who really count.  I have a special warm spot in my heart for their encouragement and love.

So, read my book, add your own thoughts and experiences, and good luck with YOUR Journey!

Clete

 

From my Son; One of the highlights of my childhood was going camping with my Father.  Winter camping was the best because there was seldom anyone as nutty as we were at the campground.  We had some great talks around the campfire.  I believe I was in my early teens when, sitting around the fire, I asked Dad why fire existed. In other words -- what was fire? Fire, he said, was the quick release of energy that has been building up over time. In this case, wood supplies that energy. I understood, and even though as I grew up I was presented with more complicated, scientific answers, this explanation was the most meaningful. On your journey to find answers to this disease called MG, you will find books filled with scientific language and studies. They won't mean more to you than this book. This "Self Portrait" is a lot like the campfire -- it is a quick release of energy built over time. In this case, my Dads life supplies that energy, through his experiences. Answers need not be complicated.           Dave Gress

 

From my Niece;   Beyond the Limits is an autobiographical book written and self-published by my Uncle Clete (Clete Gress) on his experience with Myasthenia Gravis. Years ago, when he first published the book, he asked friends and relatives to post flyers about the book. I put up a small notice on the web letting those interested know that they could call Uncle Clete’s 800 number or e-mail me a request which I would then put in the regular mail to Uncle Clete. At that time he was charging $12.00 per book to cover his publishing costs.   Times have changed. Now, with the help of his son, Phil, Uncle Clete has posted the entire content of his book here on the web, and it’s free of charge. Be sure to send him your comments if the book stirs you in any way. He likes to read what you have to say.   This comes directly from my original posting of many years ago, and it still holds true: “And just so you know who you’re dealing with: Uncle Clete is a talented artist (painter), beloved husband and father, and all-around kind-hearted soul.”                                                                 Barbara Gress Graham