Shake, Rattle and Roll

In Search of Meaning

In Search of Meaning
By Tom Kelsall
Copyright © 2008

What do a 45-year-old former journalist, a 50-year-old former urban planner, a 53-year old former lawyer, a 47-year-old former technician and a 58-year-old former volunteer coordinator have in common? After 10-15 years of enduring young onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD), these individuals were forced to give up their hard-earned careers, and their dreams of the good life were shot down early.

I am currently eligible for retirement. I can choose to retire when the time is right. PD gives a person no choice. The disease is always in control. There is no right time. I could go on to other jobs in my profession, do different work altogether, do volunteer work or just relax and have fun. PD puts people on disability and shuts down the work world for them forever. Surviving becomes a priority for most PD patients, not working, volunteering or having fun.

My own career has spanned 34 years and continues to energize me. My work has given me a sense of deep satisfaction, enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment in giving back to the community. An employee is rewarded for many years of work and commitment, while disability pays those living with PD not to work. If I had given up my career 15-20 years ago, I would not have felt the same – perhaps less complete and less satisfied in retrospect. A fulfilling career can leave a person feeling very satisfied and victorious. I am blessed that I can still choose my own course in life and not have PD dictate it for me.

Succumbing to PD is equivalent to ending a dream early, leaving a person feeling unfulfilled and defeated. I often wonder about how people living with PD maintain their dignity and self-respect without meaningful employment. I admire their struggle to find meaning and their refusal to accept defeat.

Making Life Good

When I was 21, I was single, energetic and healthy. I was a student obtaining my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin. At age 22, I met Tom, my future husband, and moved to Canada, and at age 24 we got married. Life was good.

At age 46, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s (PD). Life was still good and continues to be good at the age of 58.

Yesterday I met IndyMama (Lynn) online. Lynn and I are the same -- both married and have PD. However, we are different in that Lynn is 21 years old, and she’s a mother, student, and employee with a genetic, family history of PD. Lynn grew up living in a home with PD when her father was diagnosed at age 39. Lynn began experiencing PD symptoms at the age of 18.

This week Lynn launched her new blog, Young Parkinson’s: My Journey. You will enjoy Lynn’s warm and personal style of writing. Her message is “You are not alone.” She is wise beyond her years (living with PD does that to you). Lynn welcomes comments and stories from her readers.

I can’t imagine what it is like to be a young wife, mother, student and employee with PD at the age of 21. However, after reading her blog, I know that Lynn’s positive attitude and determination will make life good for her and her family for many years to come.