Caring for a Loved One

Helplessness and Frustration give way to Purpose

My wife Mary Ann lived with Parkinson’s Disease for 24 years. She was diagnosed in 1987. By 2000, she required around the clock care.

When I listen to the following audio interview between me and my editor Frances, I am apprehensive about exposing such private parts of Mary Ann’s life, even laughing at some of the predicaments, for fear of appearing to make light of them. Mary Ann had a wicked sense of humor. She weathered indignities without ever losing her dignity. Her presence as someone of great value never waned. The courage it took for her to accept my help was far beyond what it took for me to help her. She is the hero in this story.

I am going to lay bare random bits and pieces of the reality of Mary Ann’s journey through the most difficult time. I am a bundle of nerves as I write this as I do not want to overexpose or disrespect Mary Ann’s experience while sharing my own.