Page created by: Clare Amoroso

My only and older brother, Billy, was born with cerebral palsy. His life was difficult from the beginning; yet later on it became even more so when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. We all were blessed with determined, loving parents whose undying patience and love for us all could not be doubted. This was especially the case with Billy. He and my Mom had a bond like none other. She was devoted to him and taught him so much, as he was unable to complete his education. When she had her stroke, it was my Dad and sister, Ro, who took over his care on a daily basis. They too showed nothing but love and compassion; dedicated to continue the work my Mom had started. He continued to flourish and brought much comfort to my Mom in her disability. Billy never complained about being confined to home nor about his difficulty in walking, eating and sometimes sleeping. He suffered sometimes from hallucinations, which at the time we did not know was related to Parkinson's. He died in 2008. He remains an inspiration to me, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him, asking him for forgiveness for the times I did not give him my time. Whenever I fall into the trap of complaining about this or that, I think of him and forge on. That is what he would expect of me.