Columns

When you are new to something, it’s common to feel disconnected or out of place — especially when it comes to understanding the language. At church, newcomers may hear words that don’t make any sense. “Churchy” people (including me) tend to throw around big words. It also occurs with abbreviations.

Wailing, with tears flowing, I cry out, “I feel terrible! I can’t even think straight!” My partner runs over and hugs me hard. I am lost and have nothing left to give. This is one way that “crossing the threshold” affects my life. It rarely happens — once every…

When Parkinson’s entered my life, it brought an uninvited guest along with it: Parkinson’s me. Parkinson’s me follows me everywhere and is part of everything I do. Most of the time, she quietly stays in the background. Other times, she is overwhelming, to the point where putting on my brave…

Writing about Parkinson’s disease is a cumbersome game. I’m a journalist in my regular life, so I’m no stranger to telling complicated and emotional stories. But my lens is usually focused on others. I tell stories about accomplished athletes and faraway places that don’t affect me directly. But Parkinson’s disease…

Sometimes I wonder what my life with Parkinson’s disease will be like in the coming years. I also think about the challenges that my caregiver will face. It’s hard to avoid thinking about the future when you live with a chronic disease. Sitting outside on my porch this summer, I…

“It’s good to be able to laugh at yourself and the problems you face in life. Sense of humor can save you.” –Margaret Cho Lately, I feel like my cognitive skills are starting to deteriorate. I’m certainly not the sharpest knife in the drawer anymore. This became apparent to…

“You don’t look like you have Parkinson’s disease.” It’s a common refrain heard by those in our community. Everyone’s perception of this disease is different. And everyone wears Parkinson’s differently. Recently, a graphic circulated among the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community showing the visible and invisible symptoms associated with the disease.

“Wow! Your 50th column. You should feel proud,” Neo exclaims over our shared breakfast ruminations. (Neo is my brain’s neocortex, which I’ve mentioned in previous columns.) “Not really,” I reply without hesitating. “I feel humbled and awestruck. I have been writing about these topics for decades. To be…

Sometimes we must learn tough lessons. And that can be a good thing. Many of the life lessons I’ve learned have been through my journey with Parkinson’s disease. On a recent afternoon, I went with my daughter in-law to a pumpkin festival at a nearby farm. She brought my…

“I looked ahead and could not see a future I wanted to live.”  These were the words of Chris Norton, co-author of “The Seven Longest Yards,” as he lay in his hospital bed and the truth of his condition sank deep into his soul.  Quadriplegic. The…