Wayne’s Parkinson’s has progressed considerably, which has proven difficult for us to handle our emotions and feelings about the disease. We can no longer put the disease in the back of our minds as Wayne’s mobility, speech and dementia makes it impossible to ignore. We both have had to accept changes in our life and try our best to move forward; however, without the support of our family and friends we would not survive.  Without the help of family, friends, doctors and the Parkinson’s Society of Alberta we would not have been able to manage as well as we have. Our lives have been severely impacted by this disease.  Watching Wayne’s progression has been painful for me as well as our family and friends.  I reached out to our family and a friend to see the changes that they have noticed in Wayne since his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease 14 years ago.

From our daughter, Denise: “I first started noticing changes in my stepfather, Wayne in 1994. Since then, the physical symptoms have progressed to include a loss of hearing and fine motor skills, hand tremors, shuffling walk, poor speech, choking, vacant eyes, dementia, and weight loss.  Presently and more importantly, I see a very loving man fighting to keep his pride and independence.   It reminds me of a book I read by Margaret Laurence called the Stone Angel.  She makes a reference to chains that I believe can be used as a metaphor for those who both suffer from, and stand in support of, individuals who have Parkinson's disease.

"I was alone, never anything else, and never free,
for I carried my chains within me, and they spread
out from me and shackled all I touched"

(p. 292).   Stone Angel

And from our dear friends and neighbor, Marvin and Marilyn Rice: “Wayne Hale has impacted our lives in so many ways. It was Wayne who brought all us neighbors together.  It is with great pain that we have watched Wayne change due to Parkinson’s.  He is still the kindest, sweetest man you could ever meet but he has changed. He has trouble carrying on a simple conversation.. As well, we have watched Carol go through so much with Wayne and struggle to hold it all together but she does it with great determination and love. We truly love Wayne and so wish that we could wave a magic wand and make him all better but we can’t so we just love him for the person he is today and continue to be there for him and Carol.”

From Ray Williams, Executive Director of The Parkinson's Society of Alberta (PSA):  “I have come to truly appreciate both Wayne’s and Carol’s enthusiasm and dedication to the society and to the other people living with Parkinson’s.  Wayne, though his Parkinson’s has progressed, is still a very valuable member and a tremendous asset to PSA.   I have learned a lot from Wayne and Carol.  Wayne like a lot of people living with Parkinson’s has a very positive attitude.  It is difficult to watch the progression of Parkinson’s as it takes a stronger and stronger hold on those you love and respect.  The staff and volunteers of The Parkinson's Society of Alberta strive to meet the needs of people like Wayne and Carol by providing education, support services, advocacy and promoting research.  PSA thanks Wayne and Carol for their dedication and service to The Parkinson's Society of Alberta.  Thank you for helping make a difference.”      

To finish this article I cannot give any advice except for to use an old cliché - live for today.  Don’t wait to go on that trip or try that new restaurant because you just never know how quickly you will not be able to enjoy even the simplest things in life and NEVER take for granted those who love and support you. Despite the obstacles we’ve had to face, Wayne and I decided that we would live life to the fullest and make the best of what we have been dealt, and now when I look back it was the smartest decision we ever made.

The Parkinson's Society of Alberta has always been there for us; they have been providing the much needed services to people living with Parkinson’s for 35 years. 

Please give to The Parkinson's Society of Alberta today.  Your financial support will help people like my husband Wayne and the over 9,000 other Albertans who are living with Parkinson’s. 

Carol Hale