A Terrifying Prospect - Battling Daily Fears

I will be honest – I am terrified. As I sit here, I cannot stop thinking about my future. What will it hold? What will my quality of life be? What are things going to look like for my family? How much will I be able to function? How will my family be supported? What will my quality of life be? Will this be too much for my wife and kids? Am I a burden? How long can I honestly go on? On and on the questions could go, and as I look at the future, it is a terrifying prospect.

A Life Sentence

I hereby sentence you to life, without the possibility of parole. This is how it felt. When I first heard the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, I knew I was being given a life sentence. There would be no “parole”, and the only chance of early release would be death. This new prison I found myself in would be with me the rest of my life, and it felt hopeless.

Playing "That" Card - Saying "No"

“Really, you are going to make the person with Parkinson’s, the person with arthritis and 3 hip replacements do that?” My daughter just stood there staring at me, “Wow dad, you really going to play the Parkinson’s card?” I smiled, “Absolutely sweetheart, there’s got to be some benefits to this.”  

Focus Determines Reality

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” -Qui-gon Jinn, Star Wars, Episode I

(I know that no one is shocked I would have a Star Wars tie-in.)

A New Blog Starting Today

Calling all lifelong Star Wars fans. Today I am launching a new blog sharing my love of Star Wars and what it has meant to me over the years. Now as an adult, I have the opportunity to share this wonderful galaxy with my children and students. If you are a fan of Star Wars, I hope you will check it out and like the Facebook Page: Lessons From A Galaxy Far, Far Away.

It Is NOT Well With My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul

Jockstraps and My Warped Sense of Humor, Part 2

He stood on my porch holding a brown paper sack. As he handed it to me, he simply said, “I heard you needed some support.” I reached into the bag, and pulled out a small box – it was a jockstrap.