by Al Van Dyk | Jun 5, 2016 | Parkinson's Sucks
A lot has happened during this past week, but for me, the most notable was the passing of Muhammad Ali, a sufferer of Parkinson’s disease. Mr. Ali was diagnosed in 1984 which means that he lived with his disease for 32-years; yes, he lived with his disease but still remained active. A recent CNN article does the public a service by explaining nature of the disease in a way that is informative and useful. Recently, I have been struggling to make this blog both encouraging and uplifting while still communicating the struggles that many with Parkinson’s encounter regularly. It looks like CNN did some of the heavy lifting for me.
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by Al Van Dyk | May 19, 2016 | Family and Friends
A few weeks ago, I introduced you to our new Golden Retriever puppy Ivy. This little thing is so adorable it can make the heart of a longshoreman melt. When I look at her, I think that this spectacular animal is what God had in mind when he created animals on the fifth day. I have to believe that He was referring to the Golden when he said that what he saw “was good.” But now would be a good time to disclose that I am a dog person. This is our forth dog since we have been married, and our second Golden. The other two just served as reminders of what a great dog can be. But we also have a cat; actually, my daughter has a cat, we just have custody. His coloring is striking, nice personality, for a cat that is. It, too, is a stunning animal. Another example of God’s handy work on display. My oldest daughter has a pet rabbit, an attractive animal but not very engaging. The Creator was busy on the fifth day; each in their own way, is a magnificent representation of His imagination.
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by Al Van Dyk | May 15, 2016 | Parkinson's Sucks
I don’t like reminders of my limitations because, in my head, I have none. But some days, it’s all about the little things. Yesterday was one of those days; everything was just a little bit off. My fine motor skills, my timing but most of all my patience were testing me. The weather was unseasonably cool and it had rained a lot during the week, but I wanted to get a bike ride in. I needed the exercise and I wanted a change of scenery. I have ridden this route about a hundred times; I drive to a trail head unload my bike and go. I like this route because I can make it as long or as short as I want. But something was different.
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by Al Van Dyk | May 8, 2016 | Family and Friends
It will be 19 years on Christmas day when you left the constraints of your earthly body and entered into the presence of the Great Physician. We all miss you. A lot has changed since your passing. Your granddaughters are all grown up, both finished college and are starting their own adult lives. No tattoos or DUI’s; we are so proud of them. I have a son that you never met. He will be 14-years old this summer; very social, extremely out-going, with a gentle heart. You would love him. Lisa is still keeping me in my place; she tells me when I am acting like dad. Over the years, she tried to make the donuts and the bread that you used to make, but they didn’t turn out as good as yours. Still, I have a great life.
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by Al Van Dyk | May 2, 2016 | Family and Friends
My family thought that I needed a companion, I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Ivy, a 10-week old golden retriever. She looks harmless now, but I think that she will grow up to be a force to be reckoned with.
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