Page created by: The Birchell Family

This story is about my Dad, who has been a great provider for his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. He has been generous all his life to a fault. He feels empathy for those in need, but now, its his turn. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease about 17-18 years ago, in his early sixties. This year he will be turning 80. He is a hard-working man, who in fact, continues to work to support his family; except at a much slower rate. My father was never one to exercise, and I wish he could. He's had a bad back from his forties onward, and has even had back surgery. Both his PD and his arthritis keeps him from adding in a daily workout.
His biggest symptom which haunts him has been his lack of continuous sleep. He wakes up each hour in the night, but instead of getting flustered about it; he decided he should paint. He has now painted so many paintings that it fills the upstairs room that we call his gallery. My father has naturally given away many of his paintings to family and friends, and takes requests from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
My Dad passed away April 23rd, 2020 of last year. He started his downward spiral with frequent falls. He had just dusted himself off and kept on going, until one day we admitted him for a UTI. The good attending heard our plea about Dad's falls and diagnosed orthostatic hypotension as the culprit. He tried two different medicines and chose the one offering less side effects. Despite this good catch, this seemed to be the beginning of the end for Dad. Over the period of the next two years, he would become totally blind, and started showing more signs of hallucinations. Still, his daily drive to accomplish something, stayed with him nearly to the end. With the help an aid, he managed to still paint, but this time on objects versus a canvas. On his better days, he maintained good humor and would even share a bourbon with the boys. Dad was a warrior all the way, as even on his death bed, one could tell he did not want to leave us. We assured him we'd look after Mom, and that we would be okay. Through prayer and struggle, he did manage to make it to the other side. God bless my Dad, for now he has shown me the way with how things might go for my husband. He (my husband) is also a Parkinson's warrior, of 15 years and counting. Faith and putting up a good fight will get you through!