Category Archives: Parkinson’s

I’ll see you later. MUCH later.

Posted on March 24, 2016 by jyourist

My mother called me a couple of weeks ago from her assisted living facility in Ann Arbor. My sister was with her and they used her facetime. “This is the last time you will see my face.” “What do you … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, death, mother, Parkinson's, transition | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Grandma’s in the car.”

Posted on September 28, 2014 by jyourist

Last Friday I took my mother to the hospital to get her battery replaced for the DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) she has for her Parkinson’s disease, which helps to control her dyskinesia. We had to be at the hospital in … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Parkinson's | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Making an impression

Posted on February 17, 2014 by jyourist

One of the stories my 86 year old mother shared with me on the ride to see her Parkinson’s doctor in Toledo: “So, there’s a new guy at Hillside, a nice looking man, and they sat him at my table. … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, food, Parkinson's, romance | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Taking care of loose ends

Posted on October 26, 2013 by jyourist

Today my mother and I straightened out the timing of her Parkinson medications with the nurse in her retirement home. We measured new pants my sister bought her to see if they needed to be shortened. We ate chocolate. I … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, family, Parkinson's, photography | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Taking all the time in the world

Posted on August 2, 2012 by jyourist

Went to Toledo today to check in on my mother and Chuck. They’re both 85. Mom has Parkinson’s and arthritis. Chuck is having difficulty swallowing and is moving a lot more slowly. They are both determined to stay independent in … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, family, Parkinson's | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

When is a book a book II

Posted on October 25, 2011 by jyourist

In a continuing effort to expose my students to books that play with format and structure in unique and creative ways, as well as possibly providing evidence for why we need to continue to publish books we can hold in … Continue reading →

Posted in books, death, Parkinson's, poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Egyptian eyes

Posted on February 13, 2011 by jyourist

There’s always a touchstone when you’re an identical twin. My mother is one and it’s sometimes hard for me to imagine the pressure of the competition of that touchstone. Which one is prettier? Thinner? Smarter? Which one married better? Has … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, family, growing up, Parkinson's, twins | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Negotiating dignity

Posted on December 11, 2010 by jyourist

My mother has Parkinson’s and her husband is presently going through treatment for prostate cancer. They are both 83. My mother has had surgery for DBS where a probe has been implanted in her brain which has greatly improved the … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, compassion, family, Parkinson's | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments