My dad’s determination to choose life despite his cruel illness has taught me gratitude | Nomi Kaltmann
News Source
•Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:00:09 GMT
📰 What Happened
Nomi Kaltmann writes about her father Max, who has lived with early onset Parkinson's disease for more than 15 years. The illness has taken away his easy movement and much of his independence.
But Max decided not to let grief or anger rule his life. He lives by a Yiddish saying: 'Think good, and it will be good.'
Kaltmann says her father's gentle kindness hides a steely determination. Growing up as the son of a Holocaust survivor taught him that we can choose how we react to hardship.
🔍 The Backstory
Parkinson's is a brain disease that gets worse over time. It affects movement, balance and simple daily tasks like walking.
Kaltmann writes a column about spirituality for the Guardian. In it she explores how faith, kindness and gratitude help people face hard times.
She writes that a good deed, or mitzvah, connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Helping others reminds us we are more than our suffering.
🎯 Why It Matters
This personal story shows how attitude can shape the way we face illness and loss. It offers hope and practical wisdom to anyone caring for a sick family member.
Nomi Kaltmann writes about her father Max, who has lived with early onset Parkinson's disease for more than 15 years. The illness has taken away his easy movement and much of his independence.
But Max decided not to let grief or anger rule his life. He lives by a Yiddish saying: 'Think good, and it will be good.'
Kaltmann says her father's gentle kindness hides a steely determination. Growing up as the son of a Holocaust survivor taught him that we can choose how we react to hardship.
Parkinson's is a brain disease that gets worse over time. It affects movement, balance and simple daily tasks like walking.
Kaltmann writes a column about spirituality for the Guardian. In it she explores how faith, kindness and gratitude help people face hard times.
She writes that a good deed, or mitzvah, connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Helping others reminds us we are more than our suffering.
This personal story shows how attitude can shape the way we face illness and loss. It offers hope and practical wisdom to anyone caring for a sick family member.