Fighting Parkinson’s, and Happy Mother’s Day 2017

In my fight against Parkinson’s, I was inspired by my mother’s 24-year battle with the disease, and I was bolstered by my children’s mother, my wife Sally. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Mom, and to you, Sally, and to everybody who is a mother…you are a special group and are celebrated!

Regarding my mother, the memories that stick in my mind include a woman who was meant to be a mom. You loved us all and put us first…and memories of family dinners, and holidays, and long talks while playing scrabble…and the way the room lit up when you walked in…those are some of my memories. And your infectious laugh. The way that you would start laughing, to the point of tears, in the middle of telling a funny story, because you already knew what was so funny about it, and it would cause us to start laughing without even having heard the rest of the story. And, or course, the inspiration you were to me in helping me fight this disease and win. You passed ten years ago and are missed. I love you, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day to you!

Mother’s Day seven years ago; here is an excerpt of what I wrote:

“I have rigidity in my arms, legs, and upper back into my shoulders. Last week, a friend asked me to explain my rigidity so he could get a better sense of what I am experiencing.

1. My arms — the next time you sit down to eat, pick up some food with your utensil, and while holding your utensil just above the plate or bowl, flex and tighten every muscle in your arm from your shoulder to the grip on the utensil. While maintaining this, try to get the utensil with the food to your mouth. My arms are tight like this all the time.

2. My legs — stand as straight as you can and then put a little bend in your knees. Next, flex your calves and thighs. Now, try to walk. Or do this in front of the stairs and see if you can walk up the stairs without holding on. When you add the symptom of very poor balance to the formula, you can see why leaning forward when walking and holding on when going up the stairs are commonplace among those fighting Parkinson’s. My legs are tight like this all the time.

3. My upper back — it is tight and hurts all the time. I really do not have a good example for you to emulate.

Having a positive attitude is the key to everything. My mind and body have accepted the pain, so I am not consumed by it every waking moment. Deciding every day that Fighting Parkinson’s drug free is a fight worth fighting is what keeps me going. Quite frankly, getting to spend time with Sally and the children to celebrate Mother’s Day yesterday is really what keeps me going.”

My last three posts are about this positive attitude and knowing that you are worthy of fighting for yourself! One month after I wrote the excerpted post above, I had my full recovery, which should re-emphasize for you the importance of fighting your mind and liberating yourself from yourself. This Mother’s Day, I am one month short of seven years cured of Parkinson’s and living a joyful life.

Regarding my wife, what can I say. Sally, there is us, no me, no you, just us…always has been, always will be…just being….our children and I are blessed, and I am grateful for you. We fought this disease together, and we won. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you!

To all of you, Happy Mother’s Day!

All my best,

Howard