My Favorite Guy has recently retired from the local New Horizons Band. He’s hoped to play with them through this spring season, but even with new meds, Parkinson’s has taken the fun out of it.
Fun. That’s why he’s played with them for sixteen years. It has been such a blessing. He especially has enjoyed band practices, just like he did in high school.
He’s hoping to stay in touch with the band, especially with his fellow trumpet players.
Here’s an earlier post about Karla Killinger becoming the latest director of Des Moines’ New Horizons Band.
Guy is a Vietnam vet. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about five years ago. Incurable, slow-down-able only so much.
So much to love here, Joy. Give my very best to your Guy…what a talented man. Sending big hugs to both of you! ❤️😉❤️
Bless you, Vicki. Life gets smaller these days, but we are blessed.
Love your perspective, Joy. Smaller but so many blessings, just the same. Thank you, my friend. ❤️❤️❤️
May God bless you through this journey. Your guy is honored to have you at his side. I lost my husband about a year and a half ago to cancer and a number of other health issues. I miss him every day. Share your time together and hang on to the memories.
Thank you so much. He is my caretaker (two dozen years of fibromyalgia and now Crohn’s) so it’s a challenge. Yes, we’re so thankful for each other, and that so far, we’re still in our home!
Such retirements are always so bittersweet. I pray he’ll find other enjoyable things he can do as he enters a new phase.
Thank you, Dennis. We’re well passed being able to replace fun things. Exhaustion is such a big part of it, so we’re thankful to still be in the home we’ve lived in for 58 years. For how long?
I’m so sorry your Favorite Guy had to retire from the New Horizons Band. Is he able to stay involved in some way-like instructing? It’s heartwarming to see how incredibly supportive you are of each other. All the best to you and Guy! 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. Exhaustion is a big part of it, so instructing would maybe be worse! We need to concentrate on downsizing and figure out what’s next!
Oh my! Good luck, Joy. God bless you both. 🙏✝️🙏
It must be hard to watch Guy not be able to enjoy the things he once did. Sending hugs to you, Joy. My oldest brother has Parkinson’s and sometimes has hallucinations on top of everything else.
Thanks, Pete. No hallucinations yet, thank God. But he’s my care-taker, so we’re just thankful to still be in our home of 58 years!
From someone who has played First Chair Radio his entire life, he’s known a joy I will never have, and that’s the ability to make the music. While he might not be able to play any longer, he’s already known a joy, I’ll never have. And there might be other places eh can help with the band.
Thanks, Rich. We’ll be concentrating on downsizing and where should we live next where he can get more help as Parkinson’s progresses. Prayers welcome, as he was/is my caretaker!
Understand that completely. Will keep praying.
Thanks, Rich.
Bless you both and wish you all the best for the future.
Thanks so much, John!
Angels attend!
Bless you, Annette!
Aww. I’ll bet he’ll want to go to their performances, anyway.
Eilene, getting to the concerts was one of the most troubling things. No, he’s just worn out. Living with exhaustion has set in for both of us, but we’re thankful we’re still in our home of 58 years! Starting to make hard decisions.
That’s too bad. At least you have the comfort of familiar surroundings, still. Hey, maybe they should set up in your yard for a concert!🙂
Hey, there’s an idea!
So understandable. As a musician I know the hole felt when having to hang it up. Don’t let that horn rust.
Thank you, Alan. Guy and both siblings played the trumpet in high school. His sister has another one, so this will go to his brother Vey, who is 14 years younger.
It’s too bad your Favorite Guy had to retire from the New Horizon Band because of Parkinson’s, Joy. I hope things go as well as possible for you and him. 🙏💖
Thank you so much, Tim. We’re thankful to go through this together, and so far (60 years come the end of May), and in our own home.
🙏💖
I was reading some of the comments, and there are some tough decisions to be made. My mom has Parkinson’s, and it really is a day-to-day struggle. Medication helps, but it’s still difficult. I pray that you both are able to find the best path forward.
Thanks for your wise comments, Edward. We’re still in our own home, but trying to look ahead. Bless you as you work though things with your mom.
You’re very welcome, and thank you. 🙏🏼