This is the incredibly interestingstory which describes the unbelievable mistakes we make in life,how we cope with them into the future, and what are the lessons learned from this thing called life! The story is mixed with a sense of sarcastic humor but always stressing the benefits of humor. It is also a story of hope and encouragement as the author fights a battle that his dad, his hero, lost - to Parkinson''s disease.Heres the Forward: What is life really all about? Why are we here? Is there any purpose to our existence? These are questions that have been asked over and over again for centuries and centuries. Well I believe I have found the answer - now that I am totally broke and deteriorating thanks to Parkinsons disease! Gee - thanks guys!

The sarcastic sense of humor in me concludes the following about our existence here on planet earth - "LIFE IS A BITCH, THAN YOU MARRY ONE (TWO IN MY CASE) AND THEN YOU DIE" Guess Im just waiting for the arrival of the Grim Reaper himself!!

However, the real me has slowly discovered that we are all on a journey here on earth. The journey is intended not to be an easy one. It is intended for us to learn from the decisions we make using our free will. There is much pain, suffering, disappointment, hurt, anger, and sorrow. And, hopefully, forgiveness. There is no hell I believe. You are living it everyday - the good and the bad! A lot more bad than good!

What is it all for? It is for all of us to learn and to grow as human creatures and to eventually flourish in a place where we will discover peace, love, harmony - Where? In the hereafter - In that warmth of the Light we hear so much about from people returning from the dead. In my mind - that Light is better known as God! That is our eventual reward for everything that is tossed our way here on earth. If we learn our lessons well here than we shall be that much closer to the warmth of the Light in the hereafter. If we learn little and cause much pain and anguish to others than we shall be the farthest from the Light but always given opportunities to proceed forward. We do this by realizing our indiscretions and asking for forgiveness for our actions on earth when arriving in the hereafter and then performing duties and working toward the Light.

Boy - do I hope I am right about this! Believe it or not, I actually look forward to being greeted someday by my loved ones and all the pets in the hereafter. (I got along better with my pets than with some of my crazy relatives and friends!)

So - in the chapters that follow I will allow you to make your own judgments. As you read on and we share the good times and the pitiful times, always with a sense of humor I hope, I will honestly try to elaborate on the Lessons Learned from this journey that has been all too short. Perhaps through me you can make adjustments and, just perhaps, not do the same stupid things that I have done so many times in the last half century.