This is my first half marathon so it will be a good fun experience.

I remember how my grandfather (Fakhri Khudairi) used to be before he was diagnosed with Parkinson.  

The smile on his face glowed around his family and grandkids. He was an optimist having started from nothing but worked hard to achieve success and a gain large loving family.  

I recall our Sunday mornings where he'd drive us grandkids to the local swimming pool encourage us to keep healthy and active life. We'd hold on to his back climbing on his broad shoulders even when some would struggle in the water he'd have a way of turning those frowns to big cheesy grins. Always showing us a caring and gentle face. I recall how he'd make time for us in the kiddie pool before he'd go to the adult pool and start swimming his laps he was a very strong swimmer. He'd ask us to count the laps and encourage us to follow him but we'd never be able to catch up. 

One weekend changed all that. He stiffened up in the water and couldn't stay afloat. The lifeguard noticed and quickly rescued him from drowning. There was a big commotion by the pool and everyone had to be leave as they tried resuscitating him back to life. Everything changed after that moment. He was told to not swim again because the parkinson was getting worse. 

He died 2007. having lived through many falls and negativity with the parkinson for more than 15 years without complaints or anxiety he just got on with it. Smiling throughout all the gloom of losing your self worth.

My Grandfather instilled in me confidence, determination, and stoicism.  In his everyday actions, as a Father, Husband, and Man, my GrandFather provided unconditional love few can ever state with conviction to hold in possession in their lifetime.

For all of the reasons, I am going to take the challenge of the half marathon, to demonstrate that the power of the mind can overcome all obstacles. 

Furthermore, the power of movement, to date, is the only known cure for the disease.

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