An Amazing Soul
4:50 PM Posted In parkinson's disease 7 Comments »
Many of you know that Nguyen's mother suffers from Parkinson's Disease. Today on Oprah, Michael J. Fox was a guest along with Dr. Oz. I made sure I TiVo'd this episode because I have become increasingly interested in this disease for obvious reasons.
I was really excited to hear that a cure for this disease will be found in the very near future. Dr. Oz said that scientists are extremely close and that we should see a cure less than ten years from now. AMAZING!
Although Parkinson's has personally effected our family, Michael J. Fox said some really encouraging things that deeply touched me and that I know would touch many of my fellow bloggers and readers...
"Though Michael has learned to accept his disease and embrace his life, he says there are still days when he thinks, "This sucks."
"Having said that, somebody said to me one time that happiness grows in direct proportion to your acceptance and in inverse proportion to your expectations," he says. "So if you can just kind of say: 'Well, this is what I have today. Now, I didn't have a choice about this, but I have a million other choices I can make today. I can choose where I go. I can choose how I feel about where I go.' … If I make those choices well, I'm going to be a happy person."
That's pretty much been my outlook for a while, but it's nice to have someone, other than myself, vocalize my thoughts. What an awesome attitude! Our life is what we make of it. There are instances in everyone's lives where we could easily say "this sucks" or "life isn't fair" and simply give up, walk away, or just have a sour attitude. What's the point in that?
Is it surprising to anyone that Gabby has made me more optimistic than ever before? Even when I look at my Mother in law I am inspired. Yeah, it's not an ideal situation, but it's no reason to lay in bed all day and give up hope. We push forward. We persevere. We make the best of what life has to offer.
So Oprah was the source of my excitement for the day. I am already looking into starting a fundraiser to aid in advancements in research and to hopefully SOON, find a cure for PD. For more information on how you can help, visit
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7 comments:
I didn't know your MIL had PD! Mike sat in on a few surgeries with a neurosurgeon that does deep brain stimulation for PD. The patients raved to Mike about it. I'm sorry I missed Oprah!
I need this post today thanks :)
My Grandmother had PD. She was so cute. Her words:
"You know that Michael J Fox is going to find a cure for us don't you?" Always with a huge smile.
Awesome! I can't wait to see the episode.
Not sure if you are on the DSIA email list but there is a park playdate scheduled this Sunday, April 5th at East Portal Park here in Sacramento at 3:30pm. It's a family event, casual, just a social to meet other parents and families touched by DS. I know that there are several moms with babies coming. Can you make it? Bring the family and a picnic blanket and play? Let me know!!!!
That is a great outlook to have!
I actually had no idea about your MIL. I think your attitude is wonderful, Sheree and I hope that others will see your optimism and ability to find joy in life and follow your example!
I'm also sorry I missed that episode. Michael J Fox is one of my favorite people on the planet!
I agree! Great episode with wonderful news for you MIL and all people battling PD.
Another thing I loved that MJF said was how when he was first diagnosed, he just stayed in the bed the next morning. But he only lasted a couple of hours before saying, "This is stupid," and getting up to live his life because he was the same person he was the day before.
Love that sentiment.
What an inspiring post. Thank you!
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