One in A Million

This article is dedicated to Ken Hanaki, who’s strength and courage will forever be remembered., God Speed.

What would do if your life was turned completely upside down? For many of you reading this, that question will never have to be answered, but to those of us who have been diagnosed with neurological disorders that question hits very close to home. The slow but steady loss of who we are, and the transformation to who we will become is a constant reminder that nothing is to be taken for granted, as they say, “life is short”.

I struggled quite a bit after my Parkinson’s diagnoses accepting that my future was not going to be a bed of roses. I have stated many times that I was fearful of meeting others with Parkinson’s, I just knew it going to push me over the edge. But a funny thing happened on the way to the edge, I found hope. Hope came to me in the form of Liz, Rich, Steve, Mary, and now Ken, these people have inspired me to live every day of my life, just as they did.

It is easy to feel sorry for yourself during difficult times, anyone can do that. But how easy is it to get up every morning knowing that today will be just like yesterday, maybe just a tiny bit worse. But day by day, bit by bit, these diseases strip you down to all that is left is your spirit. Your voice, once strong and proud is now just a whisper, and your facial expressions or lack of, make others think you are not aware of the world around you, yet you know full well the battle that you fight.

But it is the things they can’t see or hear that defines you. It is your willingness go out in public, your devotion to bygoing to gym and boxing, and the feeling of accomplishment when you do something you thought you could never do, that is what defines you. The five people I listed earlier have many things in common, some are obvious, and some are not so obvious. But behind every pair of gloves we hang on the wall at the gym after someone’s passing, is a story. There are personal stories that family members will share for years to come, and then there is the story of their refusal to give up, they chose to fight back in spite of the odds being zero, they all are truly extraordinary in every way.

I think all five of these people were brought into my life for a reason, they are my guardian angels.  They have taught me to be brave, and they have inspired me to work even harder. But more importantly, they have showed me in spite of it all, fighting till end is what we do, and for that I thank them all.

Again, I would like to express my admiration to Lois and all the care partners, your love and devotion is nothing short of amazing.

By: Mark Hitechew