Loss never gets easy

My heart really hurts today.

Gwen, a dear, Team Fox friend of mine has lost her father to Parkinson’s. I got word late last night and then I didn’t really sleep.

When our family joined Team Fox and I attended my first MVP dinner with Dad, Gwen was one of the first daughters of a Parkinson’s patient that I met. In her, I saw a more awesome version of myself. Her enthusiasm for finding a cure and her love of her father has pushed her to run, raise money and be a Team Fox mentor (which is how she met Dad).

The night at the MVP that I met Gwen and her father, he was really quiet. Gwen was her usual, excited and animated self saying hi to me and Dad, as she introduced her father to us. We all just talked to each other, about our efforts, our passions and her father didn’t say anything. But what I remember now, probably more so than I did then, was that he was in awe of being there that night. And in awe of his daughter. His daughter who would run a marathon, raise money, dedicate her life to a cause and move home just for him.

Gwen made the tough decision to move back to Texas to be with her family. It’s a decision I know will be tough and that I will do some day. But before she had the chance to officially make the move, he passed away.

I can’t imagine the pain that Gwen and her family are going through right now. And I think it hits me so hard because I know one day I will know that pain. I see what will be myself in Gwen’s loss.

Gwen, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot explain how sorry I am. I know that your father was so proud of you, I could see it in his eyes the first time I met him. You will always carry him in your heart and as we continue this fight against Parkinson’s together.

Because we are doing this together. All of us. None of us are alone. I just hope each of us gets the chance to say goodbye, and thank you. For all our loved ones do for us.

To my Dad: I love you. And I’m so proud of you each, and every day.