The Best Birthday Ever

This week I want to take a break from my ordinary ramblings and share a personal note of thanks to so many that have touched my life over the past six years. Monday morning, on my birthday, I opened my Facebook page only to find a message posted by my wife, my rock, that was way to kind and far to gracious. More on that later, maybe.

My birthday serves as a marker of sorts. It represents the beginning of a journey, one that would soon become my battle with Parkinson’s. It is only fitting that I take a moment to thank all those that have stood alongside, or walked beside me. Whether you like it or not, you are part of my story.

It was at my 50th birthday party, a gift from my wife, where it became evident to others, then to her and finally to me, that something was wrong. Doctor’s appointments would soon follow, complete with the now all-too familiar mobility and dexterity tests, that would all culminate into a life-changing declaration by a man in a white coat with letters behind his name, “You have Parkinson’s.”

We are Family

As the saying goes, you don’t get to pick your family. My family has been my rock. If it were not for my lovely wife, I would still be in de-Nile; sorry typo. Siri, I was not referring to a river in Egypt. Never mind. My three children have watched their father change from a cantankerous “old man who didn’t like kids” to a cantankerous old man who thinks the world of each of them.

My brother and sister and their respective families were surprised to learn that their brother can write. From the beginning, they have been faithful readers and loyal supporters interjecting words of affirmation and support with enough encouragement to keep me writing and enough truth to keep me humble.

Lisa’s family has covered me with heart-felt words of compassion and concern at times when their words would mean the most to one so undeserving. You have followed my story with your own commentary and support. You are able to put aside my digs at your mascot; an inebriated Sparty pulling a tanker of gasoline and carrying the family pack of Bic lighters. My thanks to you for so faithfully reading, liking and sharing.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my professional network of co-workers, contractors, peers, and professionals, that would look beyond the occasional tremor or typing errors, who still see me as one who is vibrant and capable with a brilliant mind unencumbered by a physical condition.

Warriors and Travelers

Then there are those with whom I now share a bond. To David and to Joe and Chris, to Paul and to Brian, you are “brothers from another mother.” Each of you continue to find a way to adapt, to fight and to win. Through you and because of you, resolve has a face and courage a name. I have the privilege to stand in your shoes and to weave my story with yours. 

Saints in Our Midst

Then there all those of you that fall into this camp — friends new and longstanding that have generously shared words of encouragement showering my family and me with prayers for compassion. You are a beacon, giving me a glimpse of Heaven on Earth. My thanks go out to Steve, to Randy, to Bill and Donna, to Kristin and to Merlin, to Ben, Bob and Julie and friends at Jamestown Harbor, to Lisa’s Bible study girls and to the old neighbors and of course the new!

Time and Distance

Finally, there are a few that I have not officially told, those who have been a part of my life in years past but because of my laziness and drift, I have lost touch. I couldn’t help but notice your name on the list of those passing along their best wishes; I thank you for your open hand of friendship.

My Rock

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you will notice that I frequently refer to my ability to write as a gift, as “…something given generously to the undeserving intended to be a blessing to others.” At the risk of sounding pretentious, I write because I have story to tell and I have this gift, the ability to connect words with thoughts in creative ways, meant “to be a blessing to others.” It was my lovely wife who first saw this as something unique and worthy of sharing, in doing so, connecting my world with your’s.

Thanks for reading and Liking; sharing it with your friends is even better

Al Van Dyk

Sorry Ivy,
Lastly, I owe a debt of gratitude to Ivy the wonder pup. You are more than just an ordinary sidekick. You are my scapegoat for all things technical and my walking dictionary who is expected to have the right words ready when I need them. If you feel like I take you for granted and I exploit your companionship; I probably do. Speak up if it happens again.

How could you have missed de-Nile?