What my dad’s strength means in life with Parkinson’s disease

My dad has always been my superhero. When I was a child, he was the person who would rush home with pizza, sugary drinks, and laughter to break the tension of the day. As I grew older and began navigating the complexities of high school, I knew I could pour my deepest thoughts out to him without judgment or irritation. He was both a sounding board and a confidant.

On many quiet drives home, he would ask me, “Why are you so hard on yourself?” He’d encourage me to walk through life with a little more softness. I didn’t know it then, but one of my dad’s greatest strengths is his softness.

Maybe the idea of strength in softness is cliché. But I think clichés often exist for a reason. You do catch more bees with honey, and softness allows us to bend without breaking.

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If I wanted to conjure an image of strength, I’d picture Popeye after he’s eaten his spinach. Or maybe a bodybuilder. That version of strength is powerful, as it displays the physical strength it takes to accomplish astonishing feats. But another definition of strength is the ability to withstand great force.

Parkinson’s disease, which my dad has, is certainly a force. It comes with many uncertainties and conundrums. But when it comes to managing Parkinson’s, I think Dad’s ability to operate with softness has served him well.

I imagine it’d be easy to be angry and irritated about a Parkinson’s diagnosis, but my dad has always been quietly and consistently persistent against the daily battles that Parkinson’s wages. He responds with optimism, refusing to admit that the day is anything but “great” or “groovy,” as he often says. He counts his blessings, says his prayers, and never forgets to say thank you after my mom has cooked him breakfast.

I think it takes more strength to show up to life that way than it does with rage and aggression. I think there’s actually resistance in positivity. It’s as if my dad has decided that despite the hand he’s been dealt, he’s going to be grateful for every single day.

I realize he doesn’t have much of a choice about walking through life with Parkinson’s, but I think his attitude and mindset indicate strength of character. And that makes me proud of him.

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.