Why is life worth living?

I don't have the hardships others do with my health but I struggle often with the hollow nature of existence. Feels like I only exist to pay bills and no matter how hard I work I can't get over the hill.

Keep fighting everyone. I'm a pessimistic person but I try not to be. Remember everyone needs kindness and support no matter how strong you think they may be.
 
Hey @Jer I heard once that swimming/getting in water may help with the Parkinsons. Have you heard/tried that for any relief?
 
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My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years ago. I swear he developed it after falling and hitting his head in the bathroom, but what do I know.

He has been a musician all his life. He played in the Air Force Academy band in his youth (hard group to even get into) He taught band and directed many groups. He auditioned for the DSM Symphony several times, only losing out to Dr. Messenger who taught at ISU. He played in the Central Iowa Symphony in Ames for 25 years.

Saturday was his last performance. The medicine for his tremors aren’t lasting long enough for him to play anymore.

Between hearing loss from teaching drumlines for 30 years, Parkinson’s and his shiny new insomnia, it’s been rough.

Hang in there, Jer. I am astutely aware of what you and your family are struggling through. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Hey @Jer I heard once that swimming/getting in water may help with the Parkinsons. Have you heard/tried that for any relief?
I've been eager to try that at our YMCA out here in Waukee. Unfortunately, since I can't drive, my wife already has to take me everywhere, along with all the other errands and things with the kids. So I can't put more on her to take me there and back several times a week while she's trying to work.

I did take an Uber the other day to an apt to give her a break, but that adds up really fast, and there are only like 2 drivers that will come out into Waukee.

Thank you!
 
Are there any non-profits/community orgs that help transport those with physical disabilities?
I believe HIRTA is an option, currently looking into it.

Funny note...

We were just gifted an electric mobility scooter. For my 43rd birthday today, I put my custom ISU plates on it that I got when I turned 15. I'm going to take those damn things to the grave. "CYGY" forever. They were on every vehicle from age 15 to 42 so now they serve a slightly different purpose:)


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I believe HIRTA is an option, currently looking into it.

Funny note...

We were just gifted an electric mobility scooter. For my 43rd birthday today, I put my custom ISU plates on it that I got when I turned 15. I'm going to take those damn things to the grave. "CYGY" forever. They were on every vehicle from age 15 to 42 so now they serve a slightly different purpose:)


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It might ring hollow, but Happy Birthday Jer!
Another yr around the universe even though it's been a tough one. Keep up the good fight!
 
It might ring hollow, but Happy Birthday Jer!
Another yr around the universe even though it's been a tough one. Keep up the good fight!
Thank you!

I got an automated happy birthday from UnityPoint today and I responded…

“Yeah, you’re just happy I lived another year to collect another $1.5million in insurance payments.” :jimlad:
 
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It might ring hollow, but Happy Birthday Jer!
Another yr around the universe even though it's been a tough one. Keep up the good fight!
Wishes for the best birthday yet!
 
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Hate to bump this thread but struggling today. Found out during our ultrasound there was no heartbeat for baby #4
I'm so sorry to hear that. We had a similar scenario with our first, and I truly feel for you, especially at this moment, when it's fresh. Just devastating. I promise it gets easier with time. Not better. Just easier. Be well, friend. Hug your wife and other children extra tight.
 
Hate to bump this thread but struggling today. Found out during our ultrasound there was no heartbeat for baby #4
I'm about a year removed from our second miscarriage. End of January in 2026 will be really tough for me because that's when we were told it'll never happen. It doesn't get any easier, you just grow enough that you handle things better. If you ever need to talk, just PM me. I found reaching out to other definitely helped instead of navigating it by yourself. Especially if you're being the rock for your wife. You're taking on two people's feelings and it will eat at you if you let it.
 
So sorry to hear that. In the mid to late 90's my wife and I had 4 miscarriages in a row. Were told that our chances of carrying 1 to term were basically 0. 2 years later we had our 1st miracle and then a couple more years had another miracle. Best advice has already been given - be there for your wife - the pain dulls with time. My wife was able to get some real comfort on some internet chat groups regarding miscarriages - even back on the mid-late 90's they existed. She is a very private person but the ability to share anonymously was a godsend for her.
 
I'm about a year removed from our second miscarriage. End of January in 2026 will be really tough for me because that's when we were told it'll never happen. It doesn't get any easier, you just grow enough that you handle things better. If you ever need to talk, just PM me. I found reaching out to other definitely helped instead of navigating it by yourself. Especially if you're being the rock for your wife. You're taking on two people's feelings and it will eat at you if you let it.
This is our second as well. Absolutely ******* sucks
 
I'm about a year removed from our second miscarriage. End of January in 2026 will be really tough for me because that's when we were told it'll never happen. It doesn't get any easier, you just grow enough that you handle things better. If you ever need to talk, just PM me. I found reaching out to other definitely helped instead of navigating it by yourself. Especially if you're being the rock for your wife. You're taking on two people's feelings and it will eat at you if you let it.

Thank you for this beautiful example of kindness towards a fellow sufferer, GMackey32. Your words offer very kind and loving support for every family who has had to work through this kind of personal tragedy.

Well-done, you.