On Friday, I learned that a member of my weekly LOUD Crowd® class was in Hospice. “Suddenly” he declined, his wife told me in an email. This morning, he passed away at home.
It’s odd to think of death as coming “suddenly” when someone has a Parkinson’s diagnosis, because most people live a long life with the disease. But, nevertheless, it always does seem “sudden” when I learn that a person who was recently in one of my classes has died.
In many ways, Al and Judy were two of the sages of our group. Al had lived with PD for over 27 years, and, despite this, or perhaps because of it, he had chosen to adopt a positive outlook on life that he was always willing to share. In a similar way, Judy always seemed to tackle anything that came their way with a can-do spirit, and in doing so, she served as a role model and support for the “wives club,” an un-official group of spouses who get together each Thursday when class meets.
We are never sure what goes on in the “wives club,” and we jokingly accuse them of going off for a glass of wine, but whatever goes on, they always return with smiles and renewed energy, sharing information, recipes, stories, and even plants.
Little did I know when I began the LOUD Crowd in 2016, how cohesive our group would become, and that it would not only support people living with Parkinson’s, but also their spouses. While the focus of our group has always been on speaking and living with “intent,” we have become friends, and like any friendship, we share a lot of laughter and inevitably tears.
I’m sure there is no one reading this who would welcome Parkinson’s into their life, but, once there, if you are open to it, you may discover that it may also bring some of the best new friends you will ever have.
In Loving Memory of Al, whose strength and courage will stay with us
Private Practice Update
Effective 5-08-2020: The office in Punta Gorda will re-open. In order to continue some degree of social distancing and safety, patients will only be allowed in the office during their scheduled treatment time, and unless necessary, family members will be requested to wait outside the office. Masks and gloves will be used as appropriate and usual standard precautions. When possible, paperwork will be sent ahead of the visit via email. If you prefer, telehealth visits are also available.
Medicare Expands Telehealth Services to Audiologists and SLPs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If were enrolled in out-patient therapy in March of 2020 you may resume treatment in the office or via telehealth. Please contact me by email or phone if you are interested in resuming or beginning treatment.
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My MissionTo enlist individuals in their treatment, and help them express their personality & spirit through voice. To educate and empower. Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP * FiTOUR® Group Exercise Instructor * Voice Aerobics® A Whole Body Approach to Voice Practice
Barbara, you are exactly right. Al will be missed, but we will remember him in spirit
We’re so saddened by Al’s passing. Al and Judy are such an inspiration. Al for his perseverance and courage. Judy for her caring ways and strength. Mary, thank you for this beautiful eulogy.
Thank you, John, I think courage and resilience are good words to describe Al and Judy. We will miss him and his unexpected quips.
Mary: Thank you for sharing the very sad news of Al’s passing.
Although , I did not know Al for as long as some others in the Loud Crowd group , I came to admire and respect Al greatly in a very short time period. He displayed much courage and resilience.
God bless Al , Judy , and their family.
Thank you Janice, we are all sad to lose a member but will remember his positive attitude
We are so sad to hear of Al’s passing. This was a wonderful tribute to him. Thank you for sharing it, Mary.
Thank you, Roger, for your kind thoughts
Wow,
Al was a friend – always ready with a positive attitude and enthusiasm that radiated beyond the impediments of PD. He will be missed. Peace and comfort to those who knew Al.