Glenda seizes the day – everyday

Glenda Parkin says she was relieved following her diagnosis with Benson’s Disease at the age of 56 years.

“I was relieved because I had known for some time that something was not quite right,” she tells DPS News.

Benson’s disease, a variant form of Alzheimer’s disease, is caused by the degeneration of the rear part of the brain which controls a person’s ability to process what they see.

With the support of Alzheimer’s Australia WA, Dr Parkin shares her story with us as she is aware her vision may fail her by next Christmas.

Prior to her diagnosis, Dr Parkin held the highly respected position of school principal at Western Australia’s Penrhos College and before that, at St Stephen’s School. She was happily married with two sons and had much to be satisfied about.

She is gradually losing her ability to read, spell, calculate and manage money and time, and recognise familiar objects, and knew something was wrong when she could not even find objects that were “right under her nose”.

She admits she cannot determine what her future will hold, but knows it is likely that her husband will need to be her primary caregiver in coming years.

But for now, Dr Parkin reflects on her life, believing it to have been “fantastic”. “I’ve lived a really good life and I’ve been very, very grateful. I’ve written books, travelled overseas, worked with many talented staff and wonderful students, done other great things – and I’ve been so grateful for those opportunities.”

She has come to terms with the fact she can no longer work, drive a car, read books or operate a computer keyboard.

Regardless, Dr Parkin says she and her husband will “seize the day and live for the moment” as they plan to compress their retirement travel plans into a few short years while she is still able to “see”.

“I believe we all should make the most of everyday. None of us knows what’s going to happen to us tomorrow. Just seize the opportunities and never say you haven’t the time”.

“I try to be positive about my life now, knowing I have discretion every day to do what I want to do without being restricted to timelines… I also do have the belief that there is something beyond this life for me – and that gives me strength,” she confides.

Do you know someone as inspirational as Glenda Parkin? Share your words by commenting in the box below.