He was my grandmother's middle son, my mother's brother, my uncle, Aunt Ada's husband, every one's friend and he had Parkinson's Disease.This was the first case of this debilitating, neurological disease in our family and we knew very little about it. No doubt most of us thought it was all about tremors but for the youngest members of the family, Parkinson's could be frightening. The adults did their best to allay their fears. "Uncle Ted is having a bad day was about the extent of their explanation. His eyes were filled with pain after one of these incidents. My aunt and uncle had no children of their own but enjoyed the presence of their nieces and nephews. My fondest memory of him when I was a child was the attention he gave as if you were the most important person in the world.
Edwin Bennett Woodford, a robust farmer, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease close to his 60th birthday. This was about the time Sinemet was coming into its own. At that time the new medication, giving mobility where none had existed,was considered magic. But it didn't work its magic powers for everyone. It took quite a long time to find the right dosage for Uncle Ted.
As an active farmer since a young child, he had a keen interest in new inventions, especially those which helped to harvest his crops. The new drug helped with the Parkinson symptoms but eventually he was told by his doctor not to use his power mower and tractor. For him, his world as he knew it would end if he could not keep doing a few of the necessary chores on the farm. How would he spend the long days which lay ahead? Sometimes he did break the rules and get on the mower and cut the grass. He knew he would be scolded(only because she loved him) by his wife.
it wasn't long until he required the assistance of his wife, as well as others who helped run the farm. He needed help in eating, dressing, and any activity that required the use of muscles. Eventually he suffered difficulty in talking and swallowing.
Both, my aunt and uncle knew that eventually moving to a nursing facility would be required. Some days were better than others and it was on those days a nursing home seemed far away. But it did arrive, that day they both dreaded. They chose a small facility in the near-by town. Uncle Ted was homesick for awhile but with the caring spirit of those who worked there, he soon felt at home. Sometimes Aunt Ada would take him home for a visit. His cat was always happy to see him.
I don't recall the number of years he spent there before his death. I do remember that he always managed to show a beautiful smile whenever he saw a visitor. He tried to talk but the controlling disease kept the volume of his words almost indistinguishable. But we understood he was telling us he was glad we were there.
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. This post was written to remember the many victims of this debilitating disease and to honor a special uncle. Thank you, Uncle Ted, for your example of how to make the best of what life gives you.
Your niece and victim of Parkinson's Disease,
Darlene
You're invited to comment.
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