Life With Parkinson's in my 40's- #27 Life Goes On

This post is in honor of my grandaughter, Brielle Tandy, who is turning 1 today! Being a grandmother still seems very odd when I say it. But when I see Brielle and what a beautiful, sweet spirit she has I am so happy and comfortable with the title of grandma. Having PD at a younger age has definately impacted all aspects of my life. And being a grandma now I think about how my grandchildren will perceive me. I don't want them to remember me for PD but for who I am. Therefore, it is necessary for me to dwell on the things I can do for my grandaughter and not the things that I cannot do. On my last visit I crawled up the stairs with her, played on the couch with pillows with her (her favorite thing), and sat on the floor with her. She is so precious, just like her mom and dad. They are wonderfully patient parents. So for her birthday I am making her a red velvet dress for winter and I recorded this video for her mom to show her. These are things I can definately do for her without too much difficulty. Life goes on in spite of my age or illness. And it is a good life; especially with a grandaughter as beautiful as mine. Happy Birthday Brielle. Grandma loves you

Tummy Girls

I've been thinking about these pictures for some time and how remarkable it is that from generation to generation the personalities and physical attributes of the parent and child are so evident.

I think Nichole liked being on her tummy better than Brielle. Well, Brielle has her own likes and dislikes all ready. That's the way to be.... State your case and be what you want to be.......That's why they call her their little B!

Different house, different blanket but the same sweet eyes and cute head!


Nichole was quite an animated baby and always, always smiling. I used to call her my little body surfer because this is what she loved to do for hours on the floor. And her first love was, of course, the playtime activity that Brielle loves too- being in her jumpy chair.

Like mother, like daughter......
I wonder what other personality traits will pop up in the future? They can only be beautiful, creative, and sometimes well cleaned. That last one was a 'funny'. It will be fun to anticipate..... I like this Grandma stuff!!

April in Utah

Our unforgettable time in Utah!!

Picture time with Grandma before Easter celebrations at Uncle Devan and Aunt Taelor's house.

More playtime before dinner.

Brielle thought the day was ok.

Things were getting better.




What a party, Dad!

There's always time for a picture with Aunt Clair.

Nichole and Ariana looked 'pretty in pink'!

Chad and Clair chillin on the couch...

It was a beautiful day!

Nichole and Brielle came to see us while I was painting at the duplex.

I loved Brielle's tongue....maybe she'll take after her mom who liked to show her tongue in pictures too. Brielle's little tongue matches her cute cheeks.. And Auntie Ariana is a natural with Brielle.

Midweek, we got to visit with my Grandpa Hill and Grandma Cherrel. He is 90 and just starting to show his age. Cherrel is his 3rd wive and she takes tender care of him. It was so special to me to give my grandparents a hug one more time. Just think...I've known my Grandpa for 47 years!!

Grandma Cherrel calls him 'handsome'

I am so happy to have been able to take our 5 generation picture. Thank you, Nichole, for coming so far with little B. This picture is priceless.

Brielle was happy to meet her great, great grandparents.

We went down to Lehi and spent the night with Nichole and Brielle. Chase was working so we didn't get to see him until the next morning.

We enjoyed Brielle's dinner experience

.... and her quiet time on the big, comfy couch.

We were the first to see the test run on Brielle's new 'Mommy Pack'. Nichole was planning an outing to see the baby animals at Thanksgiving Point. Brielle gave her seal of approval by giving Grandma a finger in her mouth for the camera!

Auntie Ariana and little B in one more pose together.

Nearing the end of my week, I stepped out into a cold morning after a snowfall the previous evening. It took me back 30 years when I did the same thing every day as I walked to school. The crisp, mountain air and beauty of these rugged peaks was payment for my weeks work.

Morning sun on the mountains.

Morning view of snowy mountains. Sunrise!

The moon is always there to keep us balanced. It seemed to beckon to me this particular morning and said, "I'm a constant in the changing nature of the world".

Blossoms were everywhere, a sure sign of spring.

And only in Utah will you see frost on the daffodils in April!

What a trip. Exhausting, fulfilling, priceless.

Patty Cake with Brielle

I forgot how fun 'patty cake' is! Brielle was impressed too.