I was at the 2012 UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s when I ran into my old friend Terry Tonkin.
Back in the 1980s, Terry and I worked together at Mutual of Omaha. As nice a guy as you’ll ever meet.
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Terry Tonkin with his wife, Judy. |
As we talked, Terry’s arms shook constantly. It was agonizing to watch him write his check.
A living hell
Life with Parkinson’s is hell. It will wear you out. Tonkin takes morning and afternoon naps. But, at night, it gets tricky.
“I’ll go to the bathroom,” said Tonkin, 70. “When I get back in bed, the Parkinson’s kicks in. I fight it for awhile, but lots of time I’ll go out and sit in the recliner.”
His wife, Judy, says the whole bed shakes when Terry has one of his episodes.
A sweet gig
Since 1996, Tonkin has worked at Baxter Chrysler Plymouth, driving the courtesy van and delivering new vehicles to customers around the country.
“I’ve driven vehicles to California probably 30-40 times,” he said. “I loved it.”
Many times Judy would ride along with him, and they’d turn it into a mini-vacation.
No more long drives
As his Parkinson’s got worse, Terry finally had to stop his cross country drives. He now coordinates the schedules for other drivers at several Baxter dealerships.
A state champion tennis player in high school, Tonkin’s athletic endeavors now are confined to rooting on his alma mater, the Creighton Bluejays, and his beloved Detroit Tigers.
UNMC help
In 2004, Tonkin started seeing UNMC neurologist Dan Murman, M.D. Both are natives of Hastings, Neb., and it’s been a perfect fit.
On Jan. 24, Tonkin will undergo deep brain stimulation surgery. While Tonkin is conscious, UNMC neurosurgeon Ken Follett, M.D., will drill two holes in the top of his head and connect wires in his brain to a pacemaker-like device near his collarbone.
“If it is successful, it could level out my trembling and eliminate the peaks and valleys,” Tonkin said.
Good reception
Judy jokes, “I tell him he should have good reception and be able to pull in Creighton basketball games.”
And, hopefully, a good night’s sleep.
My father has Parkinson's Disease and about 3 years ago had his device put in and he loves it! It has taken away his tremors and has made life easier for him. He too drives cars for Enterprise and lives in Sunny San Diego. when I first drove with him I thought I was going to have a heart attack but he assured me that it did not affect his driving. Now It's much better.. Him and my step mom travel and really can enjoy his quality of life much better.. I Hope it works for you as good as it did for him..Tina R
My heart goes out to you & your wife, Mr. Tonkin. My eyes teared up as I read your story; my dad's sister had Parkinson's for years. I never understood the disease as a child, but now it really hits home. Thanks so much for sharing a part of your journey. I'll send prayers up for you! And, p.s……GO BLUE JAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for this article. My family has been a friend for many years, although we live in MN now but keep up with the Tonkin family. So glad that Terry is able to have this surgery. I have seen people that have had it, and it is unbelievable how their life has changed.
I have seen this type of operation on a tv show and it is amazing how the quality of life improved dramatically for the Parkinson`s patients and I can`t wait for my Dad to reap the benefits as well!We discussed this on my last visit home in 2010 and I still can`t believe it is actually happening!On a lighter note my parents Judy and Terry Tonkin have long enjoyed 50`s music but this Shake Rattle and Roll has got to go!Amazing technology keep up the outstanding contribution to improving all our lives!!Thank you!
Terry. good luck on your surgery! I will keep you in my prayers. We were classmates at St. Cecilia's in Hastings. I have been lucky enough to see him through out the years. I wasn't aware of his illness. Thanks for the article. Judy Simons Julian
Heyl Terry, you always shook when you had to write a check for dinner, long before you had Parkinsons.
Love ya man,
mick
The Foley familly in Wichita is praying for successful surgery & good Creighton reception. Sorry about that basketball game last night against us. kinda.
Terry,
Hope your procedure goes well. The BLUEHAWK nation will all be praying for you and a successful day. You deserve the best. Coach Asher and 2013 Bluehawk Basketball
Terry and Judy — we are thankful for your upcoming surgeries. Defnintely a "rave of hope". We have been friends since Terry and Dick were classmates at Creighton and hugh BLUE JAY fans, also!! Terry and Judy are the greatest friends. God Bless them on their newest "journey"…. WE believe in the GREAT HEALER….
love and prayers/dick and pat strauss
The Luddens,
Terry and Judy, WOW! Is this great news…..Terry, we first met most likely on the first day we arrived at Creighton in 1960. Hard to believe all those years passed so fast. We are very happy that you are going to have this procedure and praying for you guys for a good result.
Very Best Regards, Mike and Mickey
Terry, Judy and I are high school classmates and are life-long friends. I grew up with Terry playing Little League baseball. Always a good athlete at whatever he did, his abilities limited only by the fact he was left-handed. Honestly, we grew up together and were shirt-tailed relation, tied to a French settlement in Campbell, NE.
There are no words to describe this disease which I wish to have printed. Should someone care to visit with me personally about it, you might receive a clearer picture regarding my feelings. It's taken hold of several close friends, destroying much of who they are. However, Terry's attitude and comments have always taken a positive turn, mostly turning something tragic into some humorous. You can easily see that through by Judy's comment. Like always, it remains a pleasure to be around him. He is still quite capable of giving it back as well as 'taking it'.
As always, our love and prayers are with Terry this week as he undergoes his surgery. We keep him tucked away safely in the 'left-hand' corner of our minds. Peace to each. Roy & Gay DeMars / Hastings
How can you go wrong with friends like this praying for you. I like yourchances of a successful surgery. Mean time I'll keep the cars moving. Sorry about Saturday's game.
Terry & Judy,
Since my email was hacked, I have not been in contact with many of our old STC friends.
I am pleased that there is new hope for you and Sue & I pray that that the proceedure is successful.
Prayers are a powerful thing, I can attest to that by the suppor I received when I needed it.
Terry, you have always been a special friend and we are all here for you.
God bless the doctors and guide them.
I will send a humerous emali that falls in line tith this topic.
Love & prayers,
Paul & Sue thornburg
Hi. I am a driver with Terry for over 7 years. I miss him not being on the road with me. We had a lot of trips together. I know your procedure will come out fine. How can it not with all these fine people pulling and praying for you. Good luck! Talk to you soon.
Terry…We will be praying that the surgery helps..Creighton basketball needs you…I don't know about the Detroit Tigers…..Terry pray for the Kansas City Royals ……..See ya at the Feb 2nd Creighton Game….Mike and Sue Uridil
I met Terry through my mom, she drove back and forth with Terry for years to Mutual of Omaha. I them started babysitting for their kids. Terry and Judy, wishing you good luck and I will keep you both in my prayers.
Ann
It was a beautiful gift when you moved into the neighborhood. I look forward to many more great years for you both. You are in my prayers.
Judy Kelly
Good luck Terry. We hopefully will see you and Judy at a Jay's game soon!
Susan Uridil Sondag and husband Bob( Hastings)
Terry and Judy are my oldest sons godparents. Sending many prayers your way. I am so excited for you.
Love, Linda
Wishing you the best of luck as you go through your surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Chris and Connie Doman
Terry
My thoughts are with you as you undergo your DBS surgery. I'm confident you'll do well!
Sheila
TERRY, AM SO SORRY. I WILL PRAY FOR A SUCCESFUL OUTCOME ON YOUR SURGERY. I HAVE MOVEDTO KEARNEY SO IF YOUR EVER THIS WAY I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU, AND OF COURSE YOUR SWEET WIFE. CONNIE T.
Had no idea what you have been going through. We have a friend that had the procedure done and it stopped his tremors . I met terry through barb Kealy when we were in nursing school and terry was going to creighton. Had some really good parties. In some ways it seems like it was yesterday . Will keep you in our prayers. Put your faith in god and your hand in Judy's hands.
Joan Mcilheran Cuda
As I am sitting here praying Terry's surgery goes well this morning, I reflect on our friendship for over 50 years. Terry has amazed us through this journey. He did not let Parkinson's keep him from enjoying life. We have enjoyed so many great times with Terry & Judy and looking forward to many more. Love & prayers, Mick and Marcia