I am completely inspired by Mike Miller and his talent in building these adorable teardrop trailers. You know what’s even more inspiring about this? Mike has Parkinson’s disease. Below his wife Justine shares his story with us. I hope it inspires you!!
“Parkinson’s Disease is misunderstood by most people. It is a non contagious, continually degenerating disease. A single tiny, tiny part of your brain, the part that controls every movement you make including heartbeat, swallowing and blinking, is dying 100 times faster than everyone else.
Mike’s refusal to give up his hobby, by adapting the rate he completes one, is his success story. Once upon a time he would stay in his shop for a period of 6 hours working, working. Now it may be 6 periods of 20 minutes because it is dangerous to get too tired is to not be able to walk or maybe lift his arms.
His battle includes two brain surgeries to implant Deep Brain Stimulators, and still he takes over 48 pills a day. The effects of some of the pills wear off within 4 hours and PD sufferers liken it to feeling as if your ability to move is draining out of your body down through your feet. If he is in his shop and starts to feel that way, he stops work immediately and heads for the easy chair and a dose of pills.
Last spring Mike nominated his hero, Dan Whitfield, the medical genius that keeps his brain. stimulator programmed correctly, to be acknowledged a “National Parkinson’s Association SUPERSTAR”. I took the opportunity to nominate Mike, for his diligent, unending attempt to keep his life as much as it always was, even knowing what will happen in the future. Mike was chosen too. If you google the National Parkinsons Association, go to their magazine and search for “superstars” you can read about these 15 amazing people from all over the world.
Thank you for your inquiry, and I apologize for my tutorial in PD. We have loved trailering all our life. My Parents owned a 1955 Lakewood, which we later acquired and have never lived our 45 year married life without some little trailer in our yard. We look at the trailers on your website often, and it brings back the memories of fixing up trailers and the trip we took with our kids in them.”
Meet Mike:
Below is a view of the kitchen, complete with a table.
The next time you think you CAN’T do something, I hope you’ll think of Mike. Even if you have to accomplish something by tackling it a little of the time, don’t give up! The results of the effort are not only inspiring but stunning!
To learn more about Parkinson’s or to find a way you can donate to help find a cure visit: http://www.parkinson.org/
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Kelle, Thank you so much. We saw the posting on facebook and we are really excited.
Thank you for this posting about Mike. My husband also has Parkinsons, and it just so happens that we are new to vintage trailers. We have a 1970 Play-Mor 13′ that we want to “fix up”.
But we are also quite fascinated with the teardrops. Is there some way we can see more of Mike’s work and/or get in touch with him?
Kathy, A very busy spring prevented me from responding to your post. Some falls and some repairs to Mike’s body were a success and the last step will be a knee replacement. With me still working 50 hours a week, I neglect some of my nicest friends, old and new. Here’s hoping that your husband is enjoying his trailer. Please check out the facebook page camping@home. It is based on the premise that you camp on your own property the night of the full moon each month and post a picture of your little camp with the moon in the background. It is a mini vacation without leaving home that we enjoy every month. Justine
Thanks for sharing! My brother is 48 and has been struggling with Parkinson’s disease for close to 15 years. He has had deep brain stimulation as well. At this time he continues to work full time and actively participate in raising his three boys and one girl. One day at a time. Slowly but surely.
Thanks for sharing! My brother is 48 and has been struggling with Parkinson’s disease for close to 15 years. He has had deep brain stimulation as well. At this time he continues to work full time and actively participate in raising his three boys and one girl. One day at a time.
What an inspiration. I love the teardrop trailers and am saving for one to take my kids on adventures across the U.S. I stumbled onto this post and just has to say how inspiring I found it. Thank you for sharing. Gina
Thank you so much Gina, we have lots of fun still. “Never Give UP or Give In” Robin Williams has taught us that.
Kelle we have an update for you. We are entering the teardrop, and its new tow vehicle in the Bellflower Lions Car Show on Saturday, September 6th. It is held on Bellflower Blvd. and over 100,000 walked the show last year. Now we are pulling with a 1964 yellow Comet Caliente California Special convertible. Hope we can have the fenders and curtains matching by then. All ready have the yellow bedding, and tablecloth. Love getting your updates, keep em coming.
Kelle, a sad update. Mike passed 9 weeks ago. He fought the good fight and continued in his shop as long as possible. He had PD for 25 years.