Joseph J. Amodeo
My struggle started 30 years ago and still continues today...spanning more than a quarter century..described in poetry and prose.
I lost my mobility, my faith in God and people. I asked God for help and He responded. I asked my doctors for help also......but most of all I ask my family for help.....without them I would be nowhere!!
I searched for answers where there were none. I looked for miracles may have found one. I am no longer angry and feel hopeless.. I now pray and thank God for everyday. I enjoy life.
.Young Onset Parkinson's not only changes your life, it controls your life and that of your families. You lose control of movements, flexibility and even cognitive functioning. Time means nothing to Parkinson's. It controls where and when you go. At times it dictates if you go. Moments of Hope are moments I feel in control, moments when I feel empowered and capable of fighting back.
This is my story. This is my fight. I learned to live with adversity.
Poetry became my escape, my way of fighting back.
My Life is Different, Not Over.
I'm in this to win!!
Born in Brooklyn and raised in an Italian-American family,emphasis was on respect. My father a veteran and proud marine, worked in the New York City Public Library while attending St John's University where he received his college degree. He instilled in me that with determination and hard work anything is possible.
I marrried Rosanne, my bride of twenty nine years, after we both finished our schooling. We are both college graduates. Rosanne obtained a BBA from Baruch College. I continued my education and received my MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from New York University.
Rosanne was, and always will be my source of inspiration. We raised a family together despite my having a chronic illness. Chrisitine, our oldest daughter, is about to graduate college, while Danielle is following on her heels,attending high school as a honor student.
We married in 1978 and I began seeing a Neurologist in 1980.
Sometimes I wonder Why
Sometimes I wonder and cry
Sometimes I wonder if I can beat the odds
Most days I thank God I’m alive
Sometimes I wonder about the past 25 years
The times I tried and lost
The times I said I can win but at what cost
The times I tried and defied the odds
The times I did not want to cry
Sometimes I wonder about the times I shed a tear
The times I called my wife and said hold me dear
The times I held her close
The times I needed her most
The times I thought Parkinson’s won
The times I thought I was done
Sometimes I wonder how I survived the uncertainty of it all
Sometimes I find it hard to recall
They were the happiest of times
They were the most trying of times
Sometimes I wonder how I walked
Sometimes I wonder how I talked
Sometimes I wonder if I can make it through each day
Sometimes I wonder what would happen today
Would I get up from the chair or would I sit there and stare
