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The Little Purple Pill Box

I’m holding Peter’s little purple pill box in my hand. It is the box Peter used to carry his daily supply of the pills that kept his Parkinson’s Disease in check for many years. Four times a day, his phone alarm told him when to take two.

But now, he doesn’t carry the purple box anymore.  His Parkinson’s has gone on a rampage after thirteen years, and he can’t take charge of his pills any more.  In addition, his mobility has deteriorated so he cannot walk on his own.  At his recent neurologist appointment, the doctor said there was nothing more to be done.

So, after ninety-one years of a life well-lived, he has decided to stop eating and drinking.  Many people would not approve of this decision, but it is his, and I honor it.

I am so sad, but so grateful for the wonderful years we have had together.

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31 responses to “The Little Purple Pill Box”

  1. Florence Avatar
    Florence

    My heartfelt thoughts are with you and Peter.

    Reply
  2. Janet Gottlieb Avatar
    Janet Gottlieb

    Wishing you strength.

    Reply
  3. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    I have been reading and enjoying your blog for years, but I’ve never commented. I honor and respect Peter’s decision.
    My heart goes out to you both. I hope you will take some small comfort in a virtual hug from a stranger. I can only imagine your sadness.

    Reply
  4. Elle Avatar
    Elle

    I too fully support Peter’s decision to take control of his life. God Bless you both as you go through the coming weeks together.

    Reply
  5. Monica James Avatar
    Monica James

    Oh my how hard this must be. My heart goes out to the both of you.

    Reply
  6. Nanna Rose Avatar
    Nanna Rose

    Thoughts and prayers for you and Peter during this time.

    Reply
  7. Maureen Helen Avatar
    Maureen Helen

    So sad for you and Peter, Judy. Love and prayers. Maureen

    Reply
  8. Linda McMahan Avatar
    Linda McMahan

    Judy,
    So sorry 😢 about the sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Peter 🙏.
    Linda

    Reply
  9. MW Avatar
    MW

    I don’t have the right words… So please just know there are many of us out there who have never met you and Peter in real life, who you have let into your lives, who are sending you both love as you confront this new stage.

    Reply
  10. John and Jenny Kaufeld Avatar
    John and Jenny Kaufeld

    We are sad with you.

    Reply
  11. Iris Avatar
    Iris

    I’m so sad to read about Peter’s health status, but I totally agree with you, and with him. And, it sounds like he has lived a good, fulfilling life. I pray I can reach that age. My prayers are with you and him.
    Iris

    Reply
  12. Gail Avatar
    Gail

    Oh, Judy……..I’m at a loss for words. May the love you have for Peter give you strength in the coming days. Your on-line community is here for you and Peter.

    Reply
  13. Janet Avatar
    Janet

    Judy, saddened to hear the news about Peter. Thank you for sharing. At some point in time this will be me and my husband and your column hits me on a personal level.

    Reply
  14. Debbie Newhouse Avatar
    Debbie Newhouse

    Thinking of you both with love.

    Reply
  15. Charlotte Rolle Avatar
    Charlotte Rolle

    Sending you lots of love and hugs and kisses and positive thoughts and energy and prayers. Hug Peter for me. I too, honor his choice and his amazing spirit. Take care sweetheart.
    Love you all,
    Charlotte Rolle

    Reply
  16. Theodora and Van Ooms Avatar
    Theodora and Van Ooms

    Our hearts go out to you both in taking this courageous, difficult and smart decision for Peter to engage in VSED as you both face the ending of his wonderful life and your life together,
    We are so glad you will have so much support and love from close friends and family in this process… and from us both . Theodora and Van
    Theodora and Van Ooms (theodora.ooms@gmail.com )

    Reply
  17. Paul Albert Avatar
    Paul Albert

    Holding you and Peter in my thoughts, Judy. Sending care and love, Paul

    Reply
  18. Juliet Avatar
    Juliet

    It takes a wise and courageous person to make that choice. I hope I will too if that situation arrives for me.
    Blessings and love to you both.

    Reply
  19. Jean Avatar
    Jean

    So eloquently and beautifully stated. My best wishes to both of you for the coming days..

    Reply
  20. Susan Hansen Avatar
    Susan Hansen

    Sending Peter vast love and support.
    Susan

    Reply
  21. Nancy (Ponder) Callahan Avatar
    Nancy (Ponder) Callahan

    Oh Judy I am so sorry to read this latest installment. I will be praying for Peter as well as you and your family.

    Reply
  22. Becky Avatar
    Becky

    Much love to you both as you travel this path together. My thoughts will be with you. That post was so graciously and eloquently written, Judy. A loving reflection of the dear husband who inspired it.

    Reply
  23. Natalie Avatar
    Natalie

    Thank you for your post. You are both brave and realistic people. I am so glad that your sons are supportive.

    Reply
  24. Linlee Avatar
    Linlee

    My thoughts are with both of you.

    Reply
  25. Veena Avatar
    Veena

    I have been a regular reader of your blogs. Most of the times i read it aloud to my husband and there have been numerous instances when we have shared a warm smile or a hearty laugh. Today tears welled up in both our eyes before i could even complete reading the post.
    Lot to learn from Peter and you about embracing life as it comes and to have the courage and resilience to make thoughtful decisions at the right time. Thank you both and God bless.

    Reply
  26. John Kirsch Avatar
    John Kirsch

    Judy, Thank you for your courageous post. Perhaps there may be some comfort for you in knowing that Peter and you are not alone in making and accepting such decisions – and that you help others by your honesty and clarity. – John

    Reply
  27. Abby Avatar
    Abby

    Judy, Know that so many of your readers are thinking of you and Peter with love and support.

    Reply
  28. Ellen Hoffmann Avatar
    Ellen Hoffmann

    A last journey together.

    Reply
  29. Elizabeth Carter Avatar
    Elizabeth Carter

    Your blog has been a comfort and inspiration for me. I support Peter’s difficult decision and pray for you both
    Peace be with you
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  30. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    Thinking of you, and of Peter, and wishing you strength.

    Reply
  31. Robyn Champion Avatar
    Robyn Champion

    Oh Judy, my heart goes out to you both. I hope you can find peace in the coming days.
    RC

    Reply

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