Neil Diamond’s recent announcement stunned me. The legendary singer, who just celebrated his 77th birthday, will no longer tour. He revealed to the world last week that he is suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, which affects an estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide. Every year in America, about 60,000 are diagnosed with PD. There is still no cure.
As I announced this sad news on Easy Radio, I cried. I wept not only for Diamond and his family, but for the memory of my dear mother, who died in 2008 after enduring this terrible disease for more than two decades. Mama was treated successfully for many years and later underwent two brain surgeries to make PD’s seemingly evil effects more bearable, but it eventually took her life. Her last four years on earth were miserable. She died at the age of 70.
Easy posted a story on Facebook about Diamond and his prognosis – sadly, some of our listeners also are affected by PD. Koni told us her father is in the late stages of Parkinson’s, while Connie wrote about her mother who died from Parkinsonism, a similar, degenerative disease. My heart goes out to those of you who may dealing with this tragic fate and I thank you for sharing with us.
Please reach out to me if you are dealing with PD in any way and need someone to talk with about what’s happened or what may come. The journey with my Mama inspired me to write the book A Daughter Reborn, published through Amazon. It also includes the story of my Daddy’s journey with cancer…he was diagnosed shortly after Mama died. Parts of our story are indeed sad, but it also shares some funny moments about my life in radio and the poignant moments between my parents, who were deeply in love until their deaths.
When we share our burdens, the load becomes lighter. Please know you can always share with me — I bid you all peace and I thank you for reading my blog. God bless you all!
