Parkinson’s slowed movement, but also our family’s rhythm
After my uncle's diagnosis, everything slowed down and took more planning
Written by |
Before Parkinson’s disease, my late uncle Brandon was always on the move.
He always needed something to do, especially on weekends. If he wasn’t planning a hunting trip, he was outside grilling ribs, sausage, or brisket and inviting neighbors over without a second thought.
The house was rarely quiet. There was always laughter, music, and people dropping by. Family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers felt welcome. My uncle was at the heart of it all, bringing energy wherever he went. Life seemed to revolve around him.
That’s why, after his diagnosis, one of the biggest things I noticed wasn’t just the physical changes. It was the shift in rhythm.
Over time, everything slowed down. It happened little by little. Outings took more planning. Simple tasks took more time. Conversations stretched longer. There was more watching, waiting, and adjusting than before. As changes in movement and coordination became more noticeable, our family had to slowly adapt to a different pace.
At first, I don’t think I fully understood what was happening. I was so focused on helping, learning about Parkinson’s, and trying to support him that I didn’t immediately realize how much the overall energy of our lives had changed. But eventually, I noticed.
We started paying closer attention to what he needed. Things became more intentional and methodical. We learned to move in ways that helped him feel supported without making everything feel clinical or unfamiliar. Preserving a sense of normalcy became important to all of us, especially as mobility and balance became more unpredictable.
A different pace
Oddly enough, slowing down changed me, too.
It taught me patience in a way I hadn’t learned before. It taught me to stop rushing moments that didn’t need to be rushed. It taught me that sometimes being present matters more than trying to control every outcome.
Before Parkinson’s, our family was used to movement, activity, noise, and constant motion. But after the diagnosis, I learned there was value in quieter moments as well. This included sitting outside together, letting conversations take their time, and laughing without needing a full day of plans around it. Life moved at a different pace, but the love stayed the same.
Looking back, I see that Parkinson’s slowed more than just our familial movements; it changed how we approached life as a whole. Honestly, that change stayed with me long after those days were over.
It reminded me that many things we worry about every day don’t matter as much as we think they do. What really matters is time, patience, and being with the people you love. And even now, I carry that lesson with me.
This experience taught me that life is short. When you love someone, it’s important to cherish every moment, even the hard or imperfect ones. Those moments become part of the story you remember later.
The laughter, the slower days, the frustration, the quiet talks, the cognitive changes, and even the tough times all become part of the story of who that person was and what they meant to you.
Now, when I look back on those memories, I do so with a warm heart and vivid memories. I can only be grateful that we took the time to truly be present with him through every chapter.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
Leave a comment
Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.