Always Looking Up summary

In 2006, Fox took his Parkinson’s advocacy to a new level by actively engaging in the political arena, particularly in support of stem cell research. The importance of this research – with its promise of treating or curing diseases like Parkinson’s, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries – became a central focus for Fox. His advocacy began in earnest with his campaign for Congressman Sherrod Brown, who was running for the US Senate in Ohio. Fox, despite the physical challenges posed by Parkinson’s, including tremors and the side effects of his medication, was determined to make a difference.

Fox’s commitment to the cause came from his belief that stem cell research had the potential to change countless lives, including his own. His involvement in the campaign reflected a personal conviction that this research was critical for millions of people. At rallies like the one in Columbus, Ohio, Fox was profoundly moved by the stories of others, such as young Tanner Barton, who spoke about his struggles with juvenile diabetes. These encounters reinforced the importance of political decisions in shaping medical research and fueled Fox’s determination to push for change.

During a quiet summer on Long Island, Fox found himself engaging in an unexpected conversation with a pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses who appeared on his doorstep. Instead of turning them away, Fox invited them to sit and talk, curious about their motivations. This led Fox to reflect on his own relationship with faith and spirituality. The Jehovah’s Witnesses spoke with conviction about their mission to save others, a passion that Fox respected but approached with a different perspective.

Fox, who describes himself as spiritual rather than religious, saw their approach as being rooted in fear – fear of a vengeful God and the consequences of not spreading their beliefs. He contrasts this with his own belief system, which is based on hope and optimism rather than fear. This interaction reminded him of his advocacy work during the midterm elections, where he asked people to listen to his message about stem cell research. Just as with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, he found that while some people rejected his message, many were open to hearing it, reflecting a broader faith in humanity’s capacity for progress.

Fox’s understanding of faith and personal growth deepened significantly after he met Bishop Carlton Pearson, a once-prominent evangelical preacher whose life changed dramatically following a powerful epiphany. While watching a news report on the suffering of Rwandan refugees, Pearson questioned how a loving God could condemn such people to eternal torment in hell. This realization led him to renounce the concept of hell altogether, seeing it as incompatible with a compassionate and inclusive God. But embracing these new beliefs came at a high cost – Pearson was ostracized by the evangelical community and lost his congregation and much of the influence he once held.

Fox was deeply moved by Pearson’s courage in standing by his convictions, despite the immense personal cost. Intrigued by this transformation, Fox felt compelled to meet Pearson, traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in December 2007. Their meeting was a significant moment for Fox, who saw his own struggles with authenticity reflected in Pearson’s story. The conversation they shared, where Pearson candidly recounted his decision and the harsh consequences of his stance, reinforced Fox’s belief in the importance of embracing difficult truths and living authentically, regardless of the personal or professional fallout.

Parenting is never easy, but for Fox, raising four children while living with Parkinson’s disease has brought its own set of challenges and rewards. Looking back on his years as a father, he sees how his approach to parenting has changed over time. When their first child, Sam, was born, he and Tracy were incredibly cautious – attending every parenting class and worrying over every little issue. But by the time their youngest, Esme, came along, they had learned to trust their instincts more, realizing that not every bump or scrape needed immediate attention.

Each of Fox’s children has followed their own unique path, and he believes strongly in nurturing their individuality. Sam, for instance, struggled with basic arithmetic but found his stride in more complex mathematics, which in some ways mirrored the way life’s challenges have brought out the best in Fox and Tracy. When Sam chose to attend college in California to study math and science, it was a reflection of both his independence and the values his parents had instilled in him. Fox was careful not to impose his own career dreams on Sam, fully supporting his son’s choices, including his interest in medical research – a field that holds deep personal significance for the family.

There’s one thing that’s been particularly meaningful in Fox’s eventful life: road trips. These journeys have profoundly shaped his perspective on life, parenting, and resilience. One of his earliest and most impactful memories is the 1968 cross-country drive his family took when his father, an army sergeant, was transferred from British Columbia to Ontario. The journey, marked by the challenges of long days in a cramped car and the unpredictability of life on the road, taught young Michael the value of adaptability and resilience. This adventure left a lasting impression, instilling in him a love for the road and an appreciation for life’s inherent uncertainties.

In 1997, Fox aimed to pass these lessons on to his son, Sam, by taking him on a cross-country road trip from New York to California. This trip held deeper significance for Fox, who was coming to terms with his Parkinson’s diagnosis – it symbolized his commitment to embracing change and fostering a shared sense of adventure with his son, despite the challenges of his condition. Over 16 days, they bonded over the simple pleasures of the open road, new landscapes, and the natural conversations that arose along the way.