By Elizabeth Grover
We who are living with Parkinson’s often find comfort or solace in talking to folks with whom we share the diagnosis. That is what support groups are all about. Sometimes you can share in another’s PD journey by reading a book. There are lots of books that tell the life story of a particular PWP, and one that I recently read was Rebound: Soaring in the NBA, Battling Parkinson’s and Finding What Really Matters by Brian Grant. If you have lived in Cincinnati for a while or if you follow Xavier basketball or the NBA, you may recognize Brian’s name. He was once famous around here.
Brian Grant grew up in Georgetown, Ohio, and played college basketball at Xavier under coach Pete Gillen— and he played well. He is one of only four players in Xavier history to have his number retired. He was then drafted into the NBA and played 12 seasons for 5 different teams, most either for the Portland Trailblazers or the Miami Heat (under coach Pat Riley). At the age of 33, shortly after he retired from the NBA, he was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease.
Now at age 49, seven children and several wives later, he has some perspective on his life that he shares with openness and heartfelt honesty. The story really focuses more on basketball than on Parkinson’s, which may seem odd to us. If you have Parkinson’s, shouldn’t it consume your life? Well, no, not necessarily. When the other parts of your life include a successful career in the NBA, as well as the importance of his modest background, his lack of experience with women, and his competitive nature, there is more to tell than Parkinson’s.
His generous spirit and upbeat attitude shine throughout his story. Brian’s devotion and commitment to his children is heartwarming. Much of his time is now spent in charitable activities, including the work of the Brian Grant Foundation. And that perspective I mentioned brings him to a wonderful conclusion. The final sentences of the book are:
It took this book to discover that I had it twisted. Here I thought I had it all and my disease was slowly but surely robbing me. The truth? Basketball gave me a life; Parkinson’s taught me how to live it.
We could all learn a lesson from these words. Our life is more, much more than our Parkinson’s diagnosis. Can you find your perspective?
Announcement!
There is a new lending library of books about PD that has taken up residence at Alpha Neuro Fitness.
The space is open Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm and anyone is welcome to add to collection. The book reviewed above (with many others!) is available to borrow through this new resource.
Check them out sometime!
Alpha Neuro Fitness
800 E Ross Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45217