My Grandma

[Chad]

This is probably the most personal thing I've brought up on SG, but I wanted to tell everyone that I finally learned what disease my Grandma Jan has and how her life that is slowly diminishing is affecting me. I found out today after seeing her on her birthday that she's had Parkinson's Disease for a while. I never wanted to ask around my family what she had because it just seemed like it wasn't my business and I didn't want to look at her differently. She's a wonderful woman who would accept any one of us as her grandchild no matter what, color, sexuality, religion, etc. you were. don't know too much about it, but I know when she was probably in her late 60's earlier 70's that she needed to go to the doctors. Even with her whole family telling her that it was the right thing and she needed to go, my grandma simply didn't believe in doctors. Did she not believe in their methods? I will never know sadly. Deep down inside I want to think that if she only decided one day to simply go in that she could be healthier and happier right now. Instead, she sits in a retirement home and only sees some of her family members whenever they are able to stop by. She lives about 20-30+ minutes away depending on traffic, which is just a killer because not only do I have high school and college to deal with, but I also have lacrosse coming up which will take up my whole week's worth of weekdays.

 

Today, me, my brother, and my sister went to visit her for her birthday as I stated earlier. Over the past couple of years, she has been struggling with her voice (speaking), writing, and movement in general. She needs help getting out of her bed slowly and goes into a wheelchair anywhere she goes. You have to go right near her face to hear anything she says, and you most likely have to get her to repeat her words a couple of times. It honestly makes me sick to my stomach to see her like this. I'm actually getting pretty sad writing this lol. Besides that, she's been one of my reasons why I try to be the man I want to be. She had so many good words and always loved everyone for who they were. I wish I could drive her around places or have her be at my future wedding. Losing my one grandma (Grandma Barbera) many years ago didn't mean much to me, but knowing that in a couple of years I will lose another one breaks my heart.

 

I made this post to not only show one of my vulnerabilities but to hopefully get some of you guys to express someone that you may have lost or someone who is only currently dealing with a life-threatening disease. I feel like I've made myself feel somber enough. Thank you to all for reading this post. Just know that I had way more on my mind, but I'm not going to make a 10-page essay tonight haha.

 

I will always love you Grandma Jan and Rest In Piece Grandma Barbera - Chad

[Synk]

Papa bless Grandma Barbera, may she rest in peace.

[Chad]

For all those who may get confused, Grandma Jan is the one who I visited and is still alive and is dealing with Parkinson's Disease. Grandma Barber is the one who passed away years ago. I edited their names in to help clarify.

[patrick]

Sorry to hear that, Chad. It's one thing to see a person suffering of such a horrible disease/illness but it's another when it's your own family. My great grandmother had Parkinson's disease as well. It's sad to see what it does to people but we just have to power through it and live with the time you have. Just try to visit her as much as possible and call her. Every moment counts.

[Infinityward]

I know what you're going through, My dad suffered several strokes over the past 3 years, He recently passed away and it's been hard. Just know things will get better, If you need anything I'm here to talk.

[slothy]

Chad I'm really sorry to hear that. Hope things look up in the future man.

[Tim.]

To everyone who is currently dealing with the stress I know my man Chad is going through, stick in there, it will get better. If anyone needs anyone to talk to, im sure u could find me or someone else around.

[Nugget]

Chad im sorry to hear that.

[crazedkangaroo]

I'm sorry to hear that Chad. My grandpa has been in and out of the hospital for pancreatitis attacks during the past year and it's definitely taken a toll on me and my family.

 

I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are all here for each other during any stressful period in our lives. Its healthy to talk these things through with the people around you.

[Atrix]

Hoping for the best for your Grandma. Plenty of people including me who are always here to talk to about things if you need to. My grandfather passed away about 11 years ago and still hurts me. I don't like giving details about it because it hurts me too much. Seeing someone who cared about me so much pass away is a pain I never want to experience again. Whether there is a heaven or not, I know my grandfather is somewhere watching out for me. Knowing that makes me feel a bit better about the situation.

 

Again I'm always here if you need to talk Chad.