Family story shows value of perseverance
DONNA JEAN GERRIER
Eggs on the Wall For the love of Family is a story about compassion, sacrifice and determination that I hope will inspire readers to take steps to allow their aspirations to manifest no matter how difficult their circumstances. I believe we all have a dream hidden deep within our soul that is meant only for us to fulfill.
I left a thriving career in Toronto as a speech language pathologist, together with the study and performance of classical opera, to return to my parents home in Virden, Manitoba to care for my mother and father. My mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. My father had Parkinson’s disease and cared for my mother until he suffered a stroke. Both parents were confined to wheelchairs. Their destiny was either placement in a nursing home or having me, their only child, take the responsibility of being their main caregiver. Thankfully I chose the latter and learned when I give to others it is really me who receives the gift. I affirm that children are responsible for the care of their parents, not the government, nursing staff or anyone else. They are your flesh and blood.
Sir Samwell, our precious dog, walked with us on this incredible journey, always there to catch us if he could see we were going to fall. I believe an animal touches you deep within your soul where no human being can possibly reach. Their loyalty is more valuable than gold.
Our lives were full of adventure. My father and I travelled every six weeks to New York City to meet with a neurologist who treated Parkinson’s patients.
This therapy allowed my father to live a vibrant life, as he travelled to London, Paris, and on to Russia where he and I were suspected to be Russian spies as well as husband and wife. I tell a hair-raising story of how my father nearly lost his life in Las Vegas.
My mother was in many ways ahead of her time. She taught piano and kindergarten. Her students loved her because of her strong ethics and values. She was a wise, caring and dedicated mother and teacher. Everyone admired and respected her.
I describe my passion to end violence against animals and women. I champion the empowerment of women throughout the world. I stress the importance of stamping out isolation in our society. We are all independent until we need someone.
My strong convictions, inherited from my parents, assisted me in surviving a near fatal automobile accident. Following seven months in the hospital and two years of rehabilitation I fought tirelessly not to be placed in a nursing home and won the battle.
In reading my story I hope that readers will realize nothing is impossible if you have the discipline to persevere.
Should you choose to be a caregiver do all you can, the very best you can — that is enough!