Page created by: Julia

My dad has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It has been a tough journey since this diagnosis, for my family and for my father. My dad has always been close to me and I have to say that these memories are still as close as ever to my heart. I find it tough to see my dad frustrated and struggling with dementia and unfortunately he is one of the 30 % who have dementia in addition to the parkinson's physical limitations.

I miss talking to my dad and seeing his big smile. Once in a while, I still get him to laugh even though it is difficult for his facial expressions due to his disease, I still try to get that big grin out of him.

The worst part is seeing people in public treat my dad like he is seriously handicapped, he is still the same Dad and hero I grew up with. I do not like to see people treat him like this because it makes him feel even worse, and less like his old self. He used to always find it easy to be in social situations and now it is one of the greatest struggles to socialize with this disease. I love you dad, and I love you just as much as ever, parkinsons and all, it does not sway how much you mean to me in my world.