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Villager inspires: Writes book stressing positives in dealing with Parkinson’s Disease
SCOOT: Adventures of a Parkinsonian
By Paul A. Luscombe
$20, 154 pp., PAL Publishing, The Villages, FL., 2008.
THE VILLAGES, FL…….There is no self-pity evident in the adventures of Paul Luscombe, 70, as the Villages resident attends his weekly creative writing group, plays golf, attends a wedding, travels, withstands a tornado, and works in his uniquely equipped home office.
Sure, he doesn’t exactly “scoot” along—he is more than honest about the frustrations of getting around in his rollader, a “combination walker and seat” with wheels that has enabled him to “negotiate long distance walks at major sporting events, to attend Broadway shows and to endure stand-up cocktail parties.” And he details his pill regimen: He takes seven daily doses of Parkinson’s medicines in addition to several other types. “If I take my…collection of pills every day at the properly appointed hour, I can get by in this fast moving world. However, certain events frequently take place that affect my focus…” Often the pills slide out of their compartments as he awkwardly fumbles with the container, “especially if I unintentionally put my cell phone or wallet in the same pocket.”
Then there are the tremors that inhibit but do not stop him from reading his work aloud at the writer’s group. (He declined an offer to have someone else read his writing.) “Because of my PD affliction, I feel I am less than effective as a reader. My hands shake visibly and I wave the mike back and forth like a baton…I regard reading to the group to be a little like therapy. I will never improve unless I work at my delivery and self-confidence.”
He was first diagnosed at age 53 in 1992.
But although it was undoubtedly traumatic for him to go from being a top bond trader and Senior Vice President of Morgan Stanley in New York City to early retirement in 1999, when he must focus on self maintenance and wearing shorts with elastic waists that are easy to don, Luscombe discusses his transition with humor and a positive attitude that inspires with its dignity.
He reports honestly about diet dilemmas, problems getting dressed, how he manages his medications, and other intimate details of his condition.
The most touching moment is when he tremulously holds his new granddaughter for the first time: “I was the guy who could never hold a napkin in his lap. How would I do holding a little baby?...I was cautious as I folded my arms around her. I felt warm and fuzzy all over. I was pleased I knew enough to elevate Ella’s head, but I was afraid I might hold and squeeze her too tightly.”
Luscombe’s lifelong loyalty to his alma mater Lafayette College endures through it all. Indeed, he still is a regular correspondent for the alumni news, and has run their golf tournament for 47 years. He even wrote a book about the school’s late basketball coach, Butch van Breda Kolff. He also earned an MBA from the Wharton School.
He has also written and published “Pills, Bills & Parkinson’s Disease,” through his own PAL Publishing company. Luscombe is currently writing a book about the financial crisis.
He is a former long-time resident of Chatham, N.J.
“Scoot” is the story of a brave man who not only accepts that he has a degenerative disease, he refuses to let it slow down his progress in life, achieving goals he never even dreamed of before being diagnosed. And having many adventures along the way.
The cover art on the book features a handicapped sign bearing angel’s wings. That says it all.
Paul Luscombe is available for interviews and book signings. Please reach him at 973-980-2629.
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