Hello, my name is Sonya.

For several years, a progressive neurological disease has quietly—and sometimes not so quietly—rocked the very core of our home. First diagnosed with Parkinson’s, then Multiple System Atrophy, and finally Lewy Body Dementia, these rogue cousins and part of the same “umbrella” (the technical medical term) kicked our backsides up one side and then the other. Managing the many healthcare providers, planned and unplanned hospital visits, making life-changing decisions, and caring for and nurturing relationships was the foundation for this blog.

Where we once believed we were strong, we have found ourselves searching for strength. Where we thought faith would provide clarity, we have often wrestled with uncertainty. And where we hoped for support, we learned instead how to circle our wagons, trying to explain the unexplainable to a world that doesn’t always know how to listen.

We live in the space between gratitude and fear—thankful for the good days and cautious of the not-so-good ones. This disease moves in ebbs and flows, never quite predictable, leaving us to wonder at times what may come next.

My love—affectionately known as Grumps—carries his own quiet fears. He wonders if he’ll see another grandbaby come into the world, celebrate another championship season (Thank you to both the Cubs and Dodgers), or witness the milestones that so many take for granted. There are moments of grief for the memories he may not get to make: teaching a grandson to drive, watch them walk across a graduation stage, or share a round of golf together.

This life is not for the faint of heart.

We’ve learned the importance of open communication—when it feels safe to share. We’ve also learned that many people simply aren’t prepared to hold the reality of our days. And so, we navigate this journey thoughtfully, choosing honesty with care, vulnerability with intention.

Through it all, we share… gently..