My dad chose medical assistance in dying (MAID) and died the day after his birthday in July 2020. He had moved into a care home earlier that spring, as COVID was breaking out. The hospitals didn’t have room for him, and our family was in crisis. We spent the next several months visiting outside his window and said goodbye on his final day from the other side of a pane of glass.

Ok. You have a colleague who is grieving, or maybe multiple colleagues because… [gestures at world]. Want some straightforward tips on how to help them?

Of all the lessons my dad gave me, his final one was the biggest: life is just too short to not pursue your dreams. For all of you out there who are supporting or providing care for a loved one with Parkinson’s, or grieving a loss, or suffering from Parkinson’s yourself, I see you. It’s a nasty brutal disease, and I hope someday there’s a cure. Hold yourself tender and allow yourself grace.