Meg's dragon: one woman's fight to retain her sense of self
We all expect to grow older, weaker, frailer — it's part of being human. But what if that process suddenly speeds up, and your ability to do the things you love most begins to slip through your fingers, far sooner than expected?
We all hope that one day we'll look back at our younger selves with nostalgia; at the way we used to look, at our talents and capabilities. For many of us, that nostalgia is a ways down the road. The comfort that time will keep these losses at bay is reassuring. But not for Meg Bernard. Her passion in life is music — it's who she is. But at age 38 she is losing her ability to perform.
Producer's Notebook
How stories can help us make sense of life
By Trish Estabrooks
As humans we tell stories to make sense of the world. This is a simple statement but one that I keep reflecting on when I think about why I decided to tell Meg Bernard's story, the story of a woman in her 30s who is trying to make sense of why she has Parkinson's disease and how the disease will continue to affect her relationship with music. Why Meg? Why Parkinson's? Why this story now?
As a storyteller I feel it's important — although often painful — to turn the lens on myself and ask the question I so often ask others during interviews: why?
The answer is simple: I told Meg's story so that I could make sense of my world, a world where I'm watching my own father live with Parkinson's, a disease that's slowly eroding his independence and his ability to do the things he loves to do in life. In Meg's case, the disease is slowly taking away her ability to play music. In my Dad's case, it's taking away hockey and a rewarding career as a politician. I know that if he didn't have Parkinson's he'd still be knocking on doors talking to constituents, stopping to play ball hockey with kids from the neighbourhood and speaking at high school graduations. I hate that the disease has taken all of this from him. I hate that a disease has changed and will continue to change him. Continue reading →
Video extra
Watch as Meg Bernard finds her singing voice with the people who know what she's going through in her battle with Parkinson's disease.
Meg has early onset Parkinson's and was diagnosed with the disease at age 33. Most people with Parkinson's are at least double Meg's age when they are diagnosed. Despite the difference in their ages, this group is an immense support to Meg as she continues on her journey with Parkinson's and continues to navigate her changing relationship with music. Thanks to CBC videographer, Peter Evans, for his help with this video.
About the producer
