Mike Wendle: Super-Parent and Multiple Sclerosis Conquerer

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Nowadays the only time you hear about sports parents is when they make a scene at their child’s sports event.

What we rarely hear about is how supportive parents are and how much they sacrifice for their children.

Today’s article is about a father who battles a major disease/disorder for his family. It’s difficult enough being a parent, much less having to conquer multiple sclerosis every day.

This is why I know you’ll agree, The Woodlands’ father of four, Mike Wendle can safely be called a super-parent.

On top of everything else, Mike has been working full-time for the same company since 1997.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease of the central nervous system where the body’s auto immune system attacks the nerves in unpredictable ways.

Let’s learn just how much Mr Wendle has to conquer every day for his family in this Woodlands Online Q&A/profile of the week.

1) In your own words, describe how you contracted Multiple Sclerosis…

“Nobody in my family had MS, so it was not on my radar. Early symptoms presented themselves in the 2005-2010 timeframe, but it took until February 2011 until we figured it out and I was finally diagnosed with MS by a neurologist. My most notable early symptom was routinely getting tripped up by my left foot while running. For the longest time we chalked it up to me being “clumsy” and it became something of a running joke within the family.”

(2) Describe how difficult it was to transition from being completely fine physically to being handicapped. How has it been for your family?

“Roughly three years after my diagnosis, I lost the ability to run. While I never was a passionate runner, it was a very important part of my fitness program. Over the following years the distance that I could safely walk reduced and I transitioned through using a mind-numbingly large number of mobility aids and devices. In 2018, I transitioned to being a wheelchair user. I have mourned the loss of my ability to run and walk ever since."

My wife (Dena) and I have four wonderful children. Our kids were ages 9 through 15 when their Dad became a wheelchair user. How I have been able to physically interact with my kids has changed wildly over the years. Gone are the days of wrestling with my kids. Dena has always been a Super-Mom, and my loss of physical capabilities has caused her to have to be so much more.”

3) Talk about what you were able to do before that you can’t do now.

“Thanks to an amazing adaptive minivan, I was still able to drive independently up until mid-2020 when I gave up driving because my right shoulder became too weak. Quitting driving hurt a lot. For those fortunate to be able to start driving independently at the age of 16, do you remember how great that felt? The freedom of it! Wow! When I was 45 years old in 2020, I experienced the loss of that independent mobility. The loss of that freedom.

One of the activities I missed most was picking up the Wendle girls from gymnastics practice on my way home from work. With my loss of transportation independence, that responsibility, and the precious in-car chat time, defaulted to Dena.”

4) How has your family handled it?

“About as well as humanly possible! I’m so proud of how my family has responded! I do regret how slow I was to embrace the benefits of therapy. My relentless optimism has been a source of stress for family members that are less naturally optimistic.”

We have talked about your strong faith in the past. How have you benefited in that regard?

“In the Bible, Mark 2 details the parable of Jesus healing the paralyzed man, including four friends that lower the paralyzed man through a hole in the roof down to the feet of Jesus. I am blessed to have hundreds of family members and friends that help me like that – and I appreciate each of them so much!!”

Mike and Dena are both super-parents. They have utilized Mike’s physical condition in their raising of four children. All four are old souls. For example, I see The Woodlands High School senior, Mason Wendle every week playing and coaching lacrosse. The guy is 16 going on 32.

The children witness Mr Wendle conquer adversity every minute of the day. He is the epitome of being an excellent example to his family.

If you need an example as to how to not suck at life, you need go no further than the six Wendle’s.

Mr Wendle could’ve been a quitter when his world fell apart as he knew it. Not this guy! He became an even better person and parent fighting for his family and life in general. Just call him “Job”. Job is a bible reference to a person that no matter how much suffering is thrown at him, he uses it as motivation to rise up and be better.

You may see Mr Wendle out at any of the Wendle’s four children’s activities. When you do, go ahead and introduce yourself to him. Be prepared, you’ll find yourself smiling from ear to ear. Make no mistake, Mr Wendle is a smile making machine.

If you’re having trouble finding Mike, just look for the super-powered wheelchair.

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