Ghosts of My Ancestors

From Gary's New CD "Planet" available at http://www.garymazzola.com
PLEASE COMMENT
My name is Gary Mazzola and I have Parkinsons Disease.
In 2009 I noticed a resting tremor in my left hand and was ultimately diagnosed with Parkinsons. It has begun to effect my guitar playing, which is frightening as a musician, and as a stage actor I no longer feel comfortable playing a character on stage with a shaky hand. I gain strength from my friends and family and often speak to my mom and dad, both gone now, for grace and courage to get me through these challenging times. The Ghosts of My Ancestors came out of this experience.
Please donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure. Were so close. My MJF Team page is http://www.garyteam.com




Cameron Melville on piano, Jerry Mulkins on lead guitar
www.garymazzola.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ghosts of My Ancestors
• Gary Mazzola
• Parkinson's Disease
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• song
• musician
• singer
• songwriter
• hope
• fundraiser
• piano
• walls
• challenge
• freedom
• guitar
• taylor
• simon
• stills
• stevens
• balance
• crosby
• woody
• ghosts
• spirit
• ancestors
• ali

[treblechoir99]

Good, very good job. Thank you for this nice moment.

[pinetreesNsagebrush]

Many of us "face" the changes in stages, a little at a time. Some of the changes feel like they cut us off at the knees, others simply require annoying modifications. There are no "wrong" feelings or thoughts: they are what they are. And, there are some feelings and thoughts we need to re-direct from negative and defeatist into problem solving at some point to be able to go on. Get the help of a counselor if you find yourself depressed for too long - it's common with PD. HANG IN THERE :)

[pinetreesNsagebrush]

Try t be patient when people make ignorant remarks about your symptoms. If you have the speech changes, it can sound like you're drunk or "high." Understand that this changes our lives, like a car accident. AND, we can learn to adjust and adapt. AND, it can be DEPRESSING, especially when it takes away the things we love and that help "define" us. I used to sing a LOT. Now, I never know when I'll sing or "croak."

[pinetreesNsagebrush]

Also, don't be afraid to WORK with your neurologist on meds. Type, dose, timing of doses etc. make a LOT of difference, even on the thigs like the heel draging, shuffling and freezing, resting tremor and even speech sluring. Remember that PD advances at varying rates from slow to fast, and of the hundreds of symptoms, each person gets their own bag of combinations. Get, read and share the book "Parkinson's Disease and the Family: A New Guide" by Nutan Sharma and Elaine Richman."

[pinetreesNsagebrush]

Can't figure out how to post a response - sorry if this is duplicated. Ask your neurologist before you try anything new. That said, not all - but many -people find exercises like Billy Blanks workouts, aerobics, jazzercise etc. help with balance. If you think about walking with a longer stride and conciously picking up your feet it can help with heel-dragging. If you lean forward a LITTLE bit it helps with freezing (lean forward too much and you'll fall down anyway).

[mcguiretl]

Great stuff Gary.

[peacetoyou80]

This is just wonderful we should all channel our energy in such a positive manner when faced with challenges!

[pinetreesNsagebrush]

Wow again..... This touched my core. The tears at the realization, the determination to face and live the future. Wow. Does the Michael J Fox foundation have this video? It would surely be a good one for them, and for the many of us who have this dx. It's frustating and sometimes sad that so many people don't understand anything about this disease except for the dramatic symptoms at the end. But we live so long BEFORE the end...... Anyway, thank you again for your posts.

[davidlglazer]

Gary I was very moved by watching the video.

[kleiboff]

Great song, great video. It will take more than Parkinson's to stop Gary Mazzola !

Ken