I am not a believer in the adage "everything happens for a reason". I firmly believe that in every decision we make there is meaning in how we respond to the things that happen to us. Parkinson's is not at all a good thing,and by giving it too much power, assuming it 'happened' to Russ for a reason, creates desperation and the lifeline and buffer to hope disappears. It is emotional distraction.
The pain of "everything happens for a reason" does not have a predetermined purpose. It does not offer hope. A better option for us has been to be open minded, to find the treasure in the choices we make. We ARE our choices.
Our most happy choice of late? Meet Pattie, Rod and 'almost human' Parker.