Uncle Sonny

We went to Enterprise, Alabama on December 30th to visit Scott's Uncle Sonny and Aunt Maggie. He is Scott's Mom's brother. He was diagnosed last year with Progressive SuperNuclear Palsy. This is a very rare disease that is somewhat similar to Parkinson's Disease but it is very progressive. There is no cure nor much that is really known about the disease. He seemed to know us or at least light up at our visit. I think at times we could see glimpses of the Uncle Sonny we used to know. This is a man who has always been very physically active and the hardest worker you will ever meet. He was a helicopter fighter pilot in the Army, he worked for NATO and wrote training manuals for future fighter pilots. He loved to play tennis, jog and stay busy. He kept the most beautiful, manicured lawn you would ever see, and grew the most magnificient roses that had to be the prettiest I have ever seen. He volunteered in the community as the head of the hurricane disaster relief program. He also gave of his time growing roses and landscaping at several areas throughout town adding to the beauty of the streets and Visitors Center. He served in his church "The Church of Christ" and has always been an example to everyone. He has always been willing to help anyone that he could. It was sad to see him physically held back by this disease, but his personality still shone through. He sang for us and we loved seeing him smile. He is very lucky to have Aunt Maggie take care of him. She goes to the Nursing Home promptly around 7am each morning and stays all day. It is very evident the love she has for him and also his love for her. She ensures that all of the wonderful staff are taking good care of him. That nursing home has to be the cleanest, nicest one we have ever been to. That is something to be thankful for. We really enjoyed spending the night with Aunt Maggie and visiting with her and with Uncle Sonny. The next morning we also went to visit Scott's parents gravesite. It was a wonderful trip....we love you Uncle Sonny and Aunt Maggie!