Joyce had struggled with Parkinson’s Disease for over 12 years (diagnosed in early 2005), and with a necessary feeding tube system for over 2-1/2 years. She had outlived the life expectancy for both, and was finally gently released by Christ from her very tough, long-time-pain and suffering.
I retired early in 2012 and we moved to KCMO. Two of our four daughters live nearby, and have been a great blessing in helping us to this day. During our years here, I have had the great privilege of being Joyce’s full-time caregiver. These retirement years were the most difficult, but also it was so special to remain together through it all.
During the early-on years of our journey together, we lived in KS. That was the first state that we created our marriage “motto,” HIHIGL, which means “Hand In Hand In God’s Love.” We ordered our motto for our KS license plate, and also had the same plate display when living in IL, WI, and currently, in KCMO. Here is a photo of our MO license plate:
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I was so grateful to let go of her hand on July 3rd, although it hurt terribly, and give her to Jesus’ hand for the healing, health, and great joy she now has. For the past six years the PD stripped her of the ability to speak, and I haven’t heard her talk for so very long. I know that she is now able to again sing (beautiful soprano voice), walk, and she no longer experiences any pain whatsoever.
Although our HIHIGL journey together is over here, I have the great hope and promise that I will see her again someday. My hurting heart looks forward to that day very much.
Finally, I married an especially beautiful woman with a gorgeous smile. On our 30th anniversary, one of our daughters made us a photo collage of Joyce and I through the years. This is one of our favorite photos we had taken before she ever had PD. Thought I would share it below as I close this note to you. Thanks everyone for reading my story.
Bob (aka PT7)
- Bob_Joyce.JPG (130.99 KiB) Viewed 1442 times
