Sharon’s son, George
1/1/2020……. I lost my mother, Sharon, due to Parkinson’s disease. I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas on tough topics in caregiving and send thoughts and prayers for others diagnosed and caregivers, so this BLOG was created in their memories.
The Tackling Tough Topics BLOG 11: Caregiving for the Holidays
12/1/2024
This blog is dedicated to all those caretakers who care for a loved one with any disease and to those who have been diagnosed. We hear you; we see you, and we will never stop fighting until there is a cure!
Sharon’s son, George:
Holidays can be an even more difficult time as a caregiver during the holidays. We tend to want to celebrate the good times together, but an illness or progression of a disease like Parkinson’s can deter a smile and replace it with sadness, even during the holidays, which should be the happiest of days.
The family would gather and wear cute hats to bring the spirit that my fantastic wife, Grether, got to bring smiles and laughter at an all-time high during the family festivals. We put music like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra on the radio, light the fake fireplace, bring out the holiday magic and tributes, and just spend needed quality time together. However, when a caregiver or care partner is focused on their loved one and their ability to enjoy the holidays, often that individual suffers at times mentally and emotionally. I remember during my mother’s final 4 years; the holidays were uncertain. We did not know if she could attend holiday dinner and new has, she was struggling, so any thoughts of happiness or a good time to forget work for a few days were lost in the issue at hand, ensuring mom’s care was a priority.
For our family, my mother’s caregiver was included. Still, they were not family, and my mother was frustrated that she even needed extra care when PD progressed quite significantly to the point that she went from walking a few miles a week to the final 4 years with a cane to a walker to a wheelchair and then bed bound. It was a very long and drawn-out battle but one that took away the holiday happiness and brought about challenging situations and my inner struggle with caregiving for a loved one with PD.
A missing seat at the table…
Certain days can be more complex than others. Those other days are often also tough. However, the holidays, birthdays, and special family moments are the most difficult periods in my life since my mother passed away due to Parkinson’s Disease.
As the holidays come upon us, we now have an empty seat at our table since Mom lost her battle with PD. Coping with loss is difficult. I lost my best friend and recall the holidays sitting together, eating, laughing, and sometimes arguing over food topics, but those little special moments are the ones I miss the most and will cherish forever.
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George’s Biography
Dr. George Ackerman is from Brooklyn, N.Y. He now resides in Florida and works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.
George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause, but he did not know how to bring about change. With my family, we started TogetherForSharon® to keep my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, ‘s memory alive and share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.
Today, https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community, including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors, to help share their stories and causes.