Page created by: Sarah Nelson

My name is Sarah Nelson I am Otis's niece telling his story. Let's start from the beginning here. If you asked me about my Uncle Otis 20 years ago my eyes would of just lit up, the first thought that came to mind was fearless. He was my superman the man that I looked up to, not only was my uncle but he was my hero. My Uncle had this amazing house down by the river and my family and I spent many summer days down there. To frog gigging in the creek, to deer hunting on the roof, four wheeler rides, bonfires and his dog Annabelle. He might have taught me a thing or two on how to be a redneck but there's no shame in that. He was the kind of Uncle that would wrap his Christmas presents in duct tape, and never missed a hunting season. He was always teaching me new things and laughing with my sister and I. My uncle didn't have to show me or tell me he loved me every day but I knew that man loved my sister and I will all his heart. I could sit here all day and go on and on about how amazing this man is but I will start to tell his story.

In the summer of 2014 our family slowly started to notice some signs of concerns, things that were just different about Uncle Otis. After noticing the trembling in his hands, him slouched over all the time. He would hardly get out which was very unusual for him. It got to the point to where his friends were asking us what was wrong with him, he would hardly talk. I just felt like my hero for so many years wasn't himself anymore, it bothered me so much. Finally my Father and another Uncle of mine talked to him and asked him to go to the doctor, well as hard headed as my Uncle was it did no good, of course if you knew my family we are all very stubborn. Finally his significant other, Christina, got him to go to the doctor. After the usual test and multiple doctor visits he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in late summer of 2014. None of us were truly prepared for this journey.

Finally after switching medications and finding the right dose, I finally got my hero back! He came out to the annual Catholic church picnic and talked and socialized, I have never been so proud of him. I finally thought we have finally got back on track. New Years Eve my sister and I spent time with him and Christina and he was such a joy. It was amazing to heard him laugh and watch him smile. I remember telling myself maybe the year 2015 wont be so bad after all. Uncle Otis even took a picture with my sister and I and his significant other, I held back the tears but I knew it was going to be okay. I felt comfort in sharing such a special time with him, I finally could breathe again. He continued daily tasks a little slower, but almost normal. He would come out and socialize and play with my nieces, which are his great nieces. He was back to the man that always had some smart response back to you when you would ask him something. I knew this Parkinson's Disease was nothing to worry about and he was going to over come it. It was just a small bump in the road and nothing to worry about. I mean the man had a tree fall on him and he survived and made a quick recovery, I told you he was my superman. lol

July 7, 2015 today was a reality check, I would most definately have to say. I was at work and received news I wasn't ready for. Uncle Otis had an episode. He was taking his medications and he also took some over the counter sleeping aid, which caused him to have hallucinations because he was over dosing on both medications. He woke up his neighbor with a phone call stating someone broke into his house. Uncle Otis was just completely out of it and was not himself. He pushed over dressers in his room, knocked his closet doors off the tracks, he also said that someone punched him. I left work and got to him as fast as I could, I had to just check on him, I felt in my heart I just needed to go. I talked to him for a few minutes he seemed more relaxed and calmed down. There were still some concerning factors to me, he couldn't hold a conversation with me. He couldn't tell me simple things like who cuts his hair or even what day it was. Of course I feared for the worst and couldn't believe what was happening. I went back to work as my sister arrived and took over. Her and my Dad took him to his doctor and I sat there at work nervously waiting to hear back from them, time just seemed to set still. The doctor explained about the over the counter medicine and he was not allowed to take it anymore and so on. The primary doctor did state that my Uncle's Parkinson's disease was progressing. He stated he needs to stay active and add exercise to his daily route. The doctor also wants him to go to see his neurologist. After work I went to see him, I swear I couldn't get there fast enough. To a huge sigh of relief he made some smart comment soon as I walked through the door and tears almost fell from my eyes because I knew he was finally back in the right state of mind. He still couldn't tell us everything that happened that early morning, he also still believed someone broke in and destroyed his room. He scared my father, his baby brother enough to where my dad had a hard time even leaving him, even though my uncles significant other was there to take care of him. I knew that after today things will never be the same again.

After hearing the news it finally really hit me he is sick and he is never going to be the same, he will never be that Uncle Otis I remember from growing up. That news broke my heart, I am sure we have many good and bad days ahead of us, but no matter what he is going to have one concerned niece right by his side and I'm sure my sister as well! He was a superman physically back in the day now he will be a superman mentally and beat this horrible disease. I will never loose faith in him and I am going to make sure he fights this battle with every single ounce of strength that man has. I hate to see him like this, I hate to see anyone like this, let alone my hero. This is just the beginning to this awful disease and I want to help raise awareness and I want to help find a cure. Please keep anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in your prayers. God bless!

I will keep everyone up to date with his progress.