My Story

My Father My Hero

Written by yve

My Dad was diagnosed in April 2006 with Parkinson's disease, but he was also slowly losing his ability to do everyday things like getting dressed or forgetting to turn off the stove after making his porridge. In July of this year his neurologist told him that he probably has Dementia with Lewy Bodies - a double wammy. Not only are his motor skills going but so are his cognitive skills.
He forgets where he lives, he has hallucinations and he has lost his gentle nature. He was a brillant man, I could ask him about anything and he would know the answer. He could fix or make anything he set his mind to. He loved his home and his family. He loved to read, watch documentries, garden and keep up to date with world events. It is heart breaking to watch his demise and to see my Mum lose her best friend and soul mate of 51 years. Dementia is a cruel disease. We try to put on a brave face but sometimes it is so hard. Sometimes he remembers us and other times he thinks we have imprisoned or kidnapped him. How can you accept the fact that you are losing someone you love but they are still living? To me he will always be my hero.