Columns

When my dad, Jack, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, the lens of his life dramatically shifted within minutes. While still in a fog, my parents needed to know what they were up against and create a plan. Most people associate dopamine with pleasure, but this powerful neurotransmitter…

I have written about both of my parents before, and the lessons their own lives have taught me about living with Parkinson’s disease. I’ve also written about how much my dad’s support has meant to me over the years. Now it’s my turn to support him. If you looked…

“Mr. Dynasty. Why do we have the pleasure of seeing you?” Uncle Brandon’s doctor already knew something wasn’t right. His next appointment wasn’t for another two weeks, but we’d called to ask if he could see him that day. Still, that didn’t stop him from greeting Uncle Brandon the way…

If you’ve been a regular reader of my column over the past few years (thank you!), you may have noticed I took some time off this summer. I work full time at another job, in addition to writing this column weekly. And, you know, I live with Parkinson’s disease.

Several years ago, I wrote a column that described the sense of presence that Parkinson’s disease brought to our lives after my dad’s diagnosis in 2013. After the whirlwind of the diagnosis and navigating the logistics of what it meant for my dad to have the condition, we began…

Texas weather has a way of humbling you just when you think you’ve figured it out. One of my cousins was celebrating a birthday at a local mini amusement park, and our family and friends came out to join the festivities. It was one of those rare Texas days that…

I’ve been asked to do a small public presentation about my Parkinson’s journey. It’s all I can think about, even though it’s not for another month. Yes, friends, I’m stressing out! In the years before my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I was a confident public speaker. Usually, I’d be teaching…

“Niece! Bring me my cup, will ya?” Once Uncle Brandon was living with Parkinson’s disease, there was rarely any confusion in our family about which cup he meant. It was THE cup, and wherever Uncle Brandon went around the house, chances were it wasn’t too far behind. It followed…

As you may already know, my uncle Brandon was a proud man. He liked to do what he could, when he could, and how he could, on his own terms. Even something as ordinary as putting on a jacket meant something to him. He had been doing it for decades…

One of the strangest things about living with Parkinson’s disease is how inconsistent it can be. A movement that feels nearly impossible one moment can sometimes become easier a few seconds later. A person may struggle to initiate a step but then walk fluidly once they get going. A…