If I ever doubted blogging, the last few days have proven me wrong. The response to my recent posts – especially on swallowing and reflux – has been incredible. I’ve received advice that led to a new diet (which is working well), generous neighbors have been dropping off free smoothies, and I even learned about two reflux treatments I’d never heard of before (Omepra and Ezox) which I am now taking and are dramatically helping. That’s an enormous relief I can’t explain in words. I also learned tips relevant to anyone suffering from PD/PSP – such as to insert your belt into your trousers before you put them on….genius especially as I can’t really look down. So obvious – but never considered.
Alongside practical help, I’ve had a flood of messages: photos of toothpaste tubes, toothbrush stories, and even a critique of one of my analogies (still thinking about that, but grateful for the honesty!). Most touching of all were inspiring notes from people that gave me real joy and the push to keep fighting – one in particular will always stay with me.
And then came a message that made me laugh out loud:
“Your illustrations are great! Is that your profession?”
WOW. I never imagined that. Sadly, to dispel the myth, I’m a retired CPA and management consultant – about as far from an illustrator as you can get. But I’ve always been a wannabe artist. I doodled endlessly for years: first on writing pads, then notebooks (my kids used to flip through them and ask if I ever did any actual work), and more recently on an iPad with an Apple Pencil.
My doodles are basic – some would say creative, others infantile – but they always calmed me. Recently, during a discussion, I doodled the word “cloud” inside a cloud while debating the marketing genius behind “cloud computing,” which by the way is nothing like an actual cloud (I’ve never seen sprawling data centers floating above me in the sky!). Compared to a professional illustrator, I’m about 99.999999999% off the mark, but that creative spark has always been there.
For those who worked with me, the idea of me as an illustrator is hilarious. It reminds me of two moments that still make me smile.
First: mid-flight to see Coldplay with my daughter (her dream, but I didn’t need much convincing), I was sketching about the experience when I noticed two crew members staring in utter confusion – a strange man drawing pictures on a plane!
Second: watching Frozen on a U.S. flight while traveling for work. I did it because my other daughter and her cousin were obsessed, and I wanted to know what it was about. The tears were a step too far for “research,” but five people stared at a 6’5” businessman watching Frozen – a truly bizarre scene.
So, to clear things up: I’m not an illustrator. I’m just reasonably good at prompting AI to help create images after I finish drafting an article (which AI also proofreads and translates for me). I haven’t used AI for this blog yet, so we’ll see how it turns out. And yes, I’ve made a “gallery” of my funniest doodles – but trust me, it’s terrible and for a very tiny audience only.
Blogging has become much more than writing for me. It’s a lifeline – a way to connect with people I know and those I don’t, to share advice and receive it at critical moments. It might seem self-indulgent at times, but it gives me purpose. A patient’s voice matters, even if it’s subjective and non-scientific. It’s one person’s story told through his eyes, beliefs, and unique situation.
And as a side benefit, blogging fills the time. I used to work 14–16 hours a day (not advisable). Recently, someone came to work from my house, opened their laptop, and I sat opposite them with mine – only to realize I had no work to do. Writing filled that gap beautifully. It reminded me of an early career moment on a Eurostar to Paris. My partner worked diligently on his laptop, and I wanted to look busy, so I played mini-golf on mine for half the journey. Maybe he knew, maybe he was doing the same – we’ll never know. Now I’m a retired partner, so hopefully no consequences! We’re still in touch, so I’ll ask if he remembers.
Please keep the feedback coming. I don’t act on everything, but it truly helps and a special thank you to those who have helped me above and beyond. As self-indulgent as this may seem, it keeps me motivated and – physically and mentally – keeps me going.
