“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Jim Valvano
“Don’t give up. Reach down inside of you and you’ll find something left.” Bear Bryant
Introduction: There are a lot of terms one could use to describe a disease. My view of this disorder is that I am locked in combat against Parkinson’s. This evilness is trying to take over my brain, and it will never rest. And since Parkinson’s slowly progresses, there is time for me to plan countermeasures and keep living. Everyone with Parkinson’s shares a commonality in being identified as a person-with-Parkinson’s (PwP); however, we deal with Parkinson’s individually and personally.
Why this analogy of going into battle or fighting a war against Parkinson’s? I am not sure, but it works for me. Maybe it is because I grew up reading science fiction/fantasy books and have always enjoyed watching science fiction movies. The kind of story that describes a future world that has been changed. And we are fighting for global survival due to whatever sinister forces have invaded.
Additionally, I am a lifelong fan of “The Lord of the Rings” books. The fantastic storytelling by J.R.R. Tolkien. In it, he focused so much on describing the overall good of everything about the inhabitants of Middle-Earth in their attempt to defeat the evil Lord Sauron and his multitude of hate-filled minions.
Throughout the last seven years of this blog, I have frequently described themes that we are in a battle against Parkinson’s, and it is our attempt at surviving this invasion by Parkinson’s. But it is meant to describe a personal life interaction more than a physical event. Furthermore, I have often said that it is essential never to give up, never give in, and keep going as strongly as possible.
“Nurture your mind with great thoughts. To believe in the heroic makes heroes.” Benjamin Disraeli
Knowing Your Parkinson’s: You know your Parkinson’s and its relentless stranglehold on your motor and many non-motor actions. You know how it interferes with your work, fun activities with grandkids, sporting outings with your good friends, and an intimate dinner with your partner. How and what Parkinson’s is doing to you physically and emotionally is challenging. Adding in the fallout from its effect on you almost seems like a concussion device has exploded around you, signifying that the disorder can negatively affect anyone near you.
Whether or not you agree with my description of Parkinson’s is not as important as embracing an attitude that you will try hard to resist these changes. Furthermore, you will hopefully strive to learn more about Parkinson’s and devise your plan to respond to these changes. Finally, consider recruiting your care partner, friends, children, colleagues, and anyone willing to join your team to help unite and take on your Parkinson’s.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt
Depiction of Parkinson’s: Here are some examples of the battle within and fight against Parkinson’s, as depicted here since 2017.
From The Uncertainty of Parkinson’s: “There’s nothing you can do but keep living and keep going; ultimately, fighting the battle of your life against this insidious disorder named Parkinson’s.”
From A Good Life With Parkinson’s: “Today, renew your lease for the rest of your life, and enjoy it (get up, get out, get going). Today acknowledge your Parkinson’s; give it a nudge because you are ready for the battle and life.”
From Parkinson’s: Battles Are Won Within: “You indeed are a hero each day you live with your disorder. Your battles are within, and they are won within.”
From Always, With Parkinson’s: “I keep hopeful and positive, which is preferable to dismal and negative. I refuse to give up. I may bend in the throes of this battle; however, there is still much to live for, much to work for, much to love for, so I keep going.“
From The Song of the Journey Ahead is About Living Authentically in the Presence of Parkinson’s: “Living with Parkinson’s now means you need courage, commitment, hope, and a strong will to fight and try to slow progression; remember, your life’s still happening.”
From Parkinson’s Life Strengths: “Go ahead and get tough on your fight against Parkinson’s progression. Like when walking in the sand at the beach requires a concerted effort.”
From Tenacity and Parkinson’s: “Tenacity is the degree you can persist in your encounter with Parkinson’s and to relentlessly stay focused and poised in this fight (okay, let’s call it a quest) against this disorder.”
“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” William Ernest Henley
“Never Give Up The Fight:” Myron Lavell Avant is an American R&B singer who goes just by the one-word name, Avant. He has hsd 3-platinum-selling albums, and he has made 7 albums and released 15 songs.
Avant wrote the song Never Give Up the Fight, and the meaning of the song has always concerned his fans, especially since they genuinely admire him and love the song. The song could easily describe someone going through and living through an illness. At one point, he commented that cancer runs in his family. The closest one has to understand the song’s meaning is that Avant suffers from lupus and is doing his best to deal with this chronic illness.
Reading the lyrics and hearing the emotion he sings with is moving. The repeating phrase “Don’t give up the fight / Never give up the fight / Don’t ever give up the fight” occurs several times in the song. Simply put, Avant tells you that whatever you are living through, don’t give up.
A setting of clouds moving to sunshine follows, “The clouds move aside while the rain gives way to the sunshine / Sorrow days… that play in your mind / The doubt grows, the roads seem closed / The petal wilts on a garden rose / But the battles not over, don’t let go.” This tells me that nature functions as it should, giving life and growth. Regardless, your life marches on; just don’t let go of what drives you.
“In different seasons… trying to find a true meaning / Everybody’s saying courage is needed / But you’ll believe it, sometimes hard to agree with / But it’s the start of the race, be a champ / don’t be afraid to take a step and lead the way.” This tells me that it takes courage to lead one’s life, and you direct by setting an example by showing everyone the way forward.
Near the beginning, “Keep writing to this unfinished poem / What’s left to do is in front of you / Now take every moment with no excuse / Course has been renewed; it’s time to love life.” To me, this says your life is an unfinished set of words, waiting to be completed and lived further.
And at the end, “Keep Going, hold on, have faith, live strong, and never give up the fight.” A reminder that it will not be easy. Keep the faith and keep moving forward and never give up the fight.
“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” Jean de la Bruyere
Conclusions: How you live your life is clearly your choice. Parkinson’s derives energy from forcing you to change your lifestyle. My goal here is simply to remind you there are ways to keep afront of your disorder. You now know Parkinson’s relentlessness and the need for constant vigilance and education on your part. You now understand Parkinson’s slow meandering manner and the effort required to resist these changes. Finally, I admire every one of you with Parkinson’s; there is much courage in each of you. Thank you for the inspiration.
“Never give up. It’s like breathing—once you quit, your flame dies letting total darkness extinguish every last gasp of hope. You can’t do that. You must continue taking in even the shallowest of breaths, continue putting forth even the smallest of efforts to sustain your dreams. Don’t ever, ever, ever give up.” Richelle E. Goodrich
Never Give Up The Fight, Avant:
Avant – Never Give Up The Fight- Song lyrics
The world we live has so many obstacles, you can’t control or need
Seems so hard to bear, with challenges everywhere
When standing is tough as you feel alone
Erase defeat and stand strong
Keep writing to this unfinished poem
What’s left to do is in front of you
Now take every moment with no excuse
Course has been renewed; it’s time to love life
Heaven is calling
Doors revolving
Something you can’t deny
There’s life on the other side
Don’t give up the fight
Never give up the fight
Don’t ever give up the fight
(Choir & Avant)
Keep on, hold on, have faith, live strong and never give up the fight
The clouds move aside while the rain gives way to the sunshine
Sorrow days… that play in your mind
The doubt grows, the roads seem closed
The petal wilts on a garden rose
But the battles not over, don’t let go
In different seasons… trying to find a true meaning
Everybody’s saying courage is needed
But you’ll believe it, sometimes hard to agree with
But it’s the start of the race, be a champ
Don’t be afraid to take a step and lead the way
Heaven is calling
Doors revolving
Something you can’t deny
There’s life on the other side
Don’t give up the fight
Never give up the fight
Don’t ever give up the fight
(Choir & Avant)
Keep on, hold on, have faith, live strong and never give up the fight
This is what’s in front of you
When you find out the news, hard for you to handle the truth
Now prepare for it mentally, physically it’s straining, but don’t let it get the best of you
Positive through the thick and thin, in and out and in again, struggling with different moves
But I never been one for giving up
Fight to the very end, cuz it’s going for the win
Heaven is calling
Doors revolving
Something you can’t deny
There’s life on the other side
Don’t give up the fight
The Fight (Choir)
Never give up the fight
The Fight (Choir)
Don’t ever give up the fight
(Choir & Avant)
Keep Going, hold on, have faith, live strong
It hard… but don’t ever give the fight
The Fight
Don’t ever give up the fight
Keep Going, hold on, have faith, live strong
No, No, never
No, never
Never give up the fight
Don’t ever give up the fight
Keep Going, hold on, have faith, live strong, and never give up the fight
Cover Photo Image by Micha Sager from Pixabay
Journey with Parkinson's 