My father was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012. In 2015, we had an additional diagnosis of dementia. In 2018, he fell and broke his hip, requiring constant rehabilitation and care until he entered hospice in 2020. David's (my dad's) wish was that I focus on "just doing good." With that message, I have prayed and discerned God's will for how I could carry through on that challenge and promise I made to him.
Since dad has passed, I just can't seem to let go of the life changing mission and purpose my mom and I were on when it came to caring for my father. I am equally passionate about the caregiver, spouse, adult daughter or son, who is working so hard to honor their parents through a difficult season. As a member of multiple online and social media support groups for Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia, I can't help but notice the struggles caregivers and their loved ones face daily as they battle these conditions and diseases. It take such a toll on everyone. I remember it so well.
As a result, I wrote a book to document dad's journey - but it was the process of writing that book and discerning God's will for my purpose and career that took shape. As a result, I felt compelled to explore pivoting my career from a corporate marketer to one that is dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus - especially for those that are suffering from conditions such as Parkinson's or Dementia. It's been years in the making, I just didn't realize it.
You will be able read about our family's journey in a new book that was released in 2022 called: Sunsets and Silver Linings: Caregiving for Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia, A Daughter's Perspective.
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