This book definitely makes you realize that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always something to be proud of, something to work hard for, and someone to help you through it. I learned a lot about Parkinson's disease with this book, as MJF gives some very vivid examples of just how challenging some of the most basic tasks in life can be. While I sympathize with his challenges and the utter frustration he must regularly face, I can't say that I "feel sorry" for him, because he makes it clear that he doesn't feel sorry for himself. He takes every day as it comes, and sometimes every minute as they pass, staying focused on the positives in his life: his family, his advocacy, and his successes against the difficulties of PD. How can you possibly feel sorry for someone who has so much character and pride in what they do? I can only hope that I have half the amount of optimism as MJF, and that I take life's challenges with half as much grace.