Long Journey Into Night

By Bert Sternal

Bert sat in his recliner, staring out the window at the yard he used to tend. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man, with a head of thick, salt-and-pepper hair that was beginning to thin. He was once known for his robustness, his sharp mind, and his infectious laugh that filled the room. But now, he sat in silence, his eyes blank and unresponsive. Bert had always been an active man, with a love for fishing, and fixing things around the house. He had been married to his wife, Barbara, for over forty years, and together they had raised one child. They were both active members of their church community, Life had been good to Bert, and he had been grateful for it all.

But then things began to change. It started with small things, like forgetting where he had left his keys or missing a doctor’s appointment. But then it became more serious, like struggling to remember names of people he had known for years or becoming increasingly unsteady on his feet. Eventually, Bert went to see a doctor, and after a series of tests, he was diagnosed with both Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The news hit Bert hard. He had always prided himself on his independence and his ability to take care of himself and his family. But now, he was faced with a future where his life would be defined by his illnesses. He would have to rely on others to help him with everyday tasks and would no longer be able to do the things he loved. It was a harsh reality to face.

Barbara was equally stunned by the news. She had noticed the changes in Bert, but had brushed them off as a normal part of aging. She had always been a supportive and devoted wife, but now she was faced with the daunting task of caring for her husband as his illnesses progressed. It was a role she was not prepared for, but one that she was determined to handle with grace and dignity. As Bert sat in his recliner, lost in thought, he couldn’t help but wonder how his life had taken such a drastic turn. He knew that he would have to lean on his wife and his faith more than ever before, as he faced the challenges that lay ahead. It was a difficult realization to come to, but he knew that he had no choice but to face it head-on.

Bert’s first symptoms of dementia and Parkinson’s disease were subtle. At first, he would forget small things, like where he had left his keys or what he had for breakfast. He brushed it off as being forgetful, but as time went on, the symptoms became more noticeable. One of the most significant changes was his mobility. Bert had always been active, but now he found it difficult to walk without stumbling or losing his balance. His movements became slower, and he developed a noticeable tremor in his hands. It was clear that something was not right, but Bert was hesitant to acknowledge the changes.

Barbara, on the other hand, was quick to notice the changes in her husband. She had always been attuned to Bert’s needs and was sensitive to any changes in his behavior. She could see that Bert was struggling, and it worried her. She began to notice that Bert was forgetting important dates and appointments and was becoming increasingly withdrawn from social activities. Barbara tried to talk to Bert about her concerns, but he would brush her off, insisting that he was just getting older and that it was nothing to worry about. She knew that something was wrong, and she became increasingly worried about his health.

Bert’s early symptoms affected his daily life in many ways. He would forget simple things, like how to use the TV remote or how to make coffee. He struggled to complete simple tasks, like tying his shoelaces or buttoning his shirt. It was frustrating for Bert, who had always been independent, and he became increasingly agitated as a result. Barbara was patient with Bert, but she found it increasingly difficult to manage his behavior. She knew that she needed to find help, but she was unsure of where to turn. It was a difficult time for both of them, and she worried about what the future held for her husband.

As time passed, Bert’s symptoms continued to progress. His mobility became increasingly restricted, and he became more reliant on a walker to get around. The tremors in his hands became more pronounced, making it difficult for him to complete even simple tasks, like holding a pen or buttoning his shirt. Bert’s cognitive abilities also declined. He struggled to remember even the most basic details about his life, including the names of his family members. He became confused easily and would often repeat himself, not realizing that he had already asked the same question.

These changes in Bert’s abilities made it difficult for him to maintain his independence. He could no longer drive, and he struggled to complete even the simplest of tasks around the house. It was frustrating for him, and he often became angry and agitated as a result. Barbara did her best to care for Bert, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. She had to help him with everything, from getting dressed in the morning to preparing meals. She found herself having to remind Bert of things he had done every day for years, like how to shave or brush his teeth.

Bert’s involvement in church became more difficult as his symptoms worsened. He had always been an active member of his community, but now he struggled to sit still during services. His tremors made it difficult to hold a hymnal or a prayer book, and his forgetfulness made it hard to follow along with the service. Despite these challenges, Bert’s faith remained strong. He found solace in attending church, and he continued to try to participate in services as best he could. His church community also rallied around him, offering support and assistance where they could.

It was a difficult time for Bert and his family, but they did their best to adapt to his changing needs. They knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but they were determined to face it together. Bert was determined to find ways to cope with his condition, despite the challenges he faced. He tried to remain as active as possible, participating in physical therapy to help with his mobility and dexterity. He also took medications to manage his symptoms, although he found that they had side effects that made him feel tired and confused.

Barbara was a constant source of support for Bert. She did everything she could to help him maintain his independence, while also managing her own stress and emotions. She sought out support from caregiver groups and counseling services, which helped her to better understand Bert’s condition and find new ways to cope with the challenges they faced. Caregivers also played a crucial role in helping Bert manage his condition. They provided assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing and dressing, and helped to ensure that he took his medications on time.

Despite the difficulties he faced, Bert found comfort and support through his faith and his church community. He continued to attend services and participate in church activities, even if it was more challenging than before. His church community also rallied around him, offering assistance and support where they could. Bert found comfort in his faith and in the knowledge that he was not alone in his struggles. He drew strength from the support of his family, caregivers, and church community, and he was determined to make the most of each day, even as his condition continued to progress. Through their collective efforts, Bert and his loved ones were able to find ways to cope with his condition and maintain a sense of hope and purpose. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained committed to supporting one another and to finding joy and meaning in each moment they shared together.

As Bert’s condition progressed, his symptoms worsened, and he began to experience a decline in his physical and cognitive abilities. He struggled to perform even the simplest of tasks, such as dressing himself or brushing his teeth, and he often became confused and forgetful. Bert’s decline took a toll on his mental and physical health. He became increasingly isolated and withdrawn, as he found it difficult to communicate and connect with others. His family and caregivers did their best to provide him with the care and support he needed, but they also struggled to cope with the emotional and physical demands of his condition.

Caregivers faced the challenge of managing Bert’s medications and ensuring that he received proper nutrition and hydration. They also had to monitor his behavior and mood, as he sometimes became agitated or aggressive. Family members tried to provide companionship and emotional support, but they also had to balance their own needs and responsibilities. Despite their efforts, Bert’s involvement in church became more limited due to his declining health. He was no longer able to attend services regularly, and he struggled to participate in activities or connect with his church community in the same way he had before.

Bert’s decline was a difficult and emotional process for everyone involved. But his family and caregivers remained committed to providing him with the best care possible, even as they faced new challenges and uncertainties. They drew strength from one another, and from their faith, as they navigated this difficult journey together. 

Bert’s journey with dementia and Parkinson’s disease has been a difficult one, filled with struggles and challenges. He has faced physical and cognitive decline, as well as emotional and social isolation. But through it all, he has been surrounded by a loving and supportive community. Bert’s wife, Barbara, has been a constant source of comfort and care. She has been his advocate and his partner, standing by him through the ups and downs of his condition. The church community that Bert was a part of has also played an important role in his life. They have provided comfort, support, and encouragement to him and his family throughout his illness.

Bert’s story shows the importance of having a strong support system in place when dealing with chronic illness. Family and friends can help to provide care and emotional support, while communities can offer a sense of belonging and purpose. Faith and spirituality can also provide comfort and guidance during difficult times. Despite the challenges that Bert has faced, he continues to find hope and meaning in his life. He has learned to adapt to his changing circumstances, and he has found new ways to connect with his loved ones and his community. His story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find joy and purpose in life.

Bert’s journey has been a challenging one, but he has been surrounded by love and support throughout it all. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community and faith in times of hardship. May his story offer hope and encouragement to those who are facing similar struggles.