Will You Remember Me Tomorrow?

This ongoing series explores the effects of degenerative disease, the fragility of our bodies and the resilience of our hearts.

In 1988, my parents got married. In 2000, they separated and divorced. In 2020, they reunited after separately being diagnosed with Parkinson's.

My parents met as singing waiters. They developed separate acting careers in musical theater and eventually settled down briefly in the suburbs, where they had three children.

I was nine years old when my parents first separated. In the years that followed, I only saw my father on stage or occasionally at Christmas. My mother raised my siblings and I alone, on Hamburger Helper and spite. I grew to know my parents apart – now I'm growing to know them together while we still have time.

A year from now, my father won't remember my name. He will be bedridden and immobile, unable to feed himself. My mother will be attempting to take care of him as she too slowly declines. All I can do is be there for them now, all I can do is wait.

This ongoing series explores the effects of degenerative disease, the fragility of our bodies and the resilience of our hearts.