Living with Parkinson's disease for almost 20 years has made me aware and appreciative of many aspects of life; it's been like a roller coaster ride.
I feel much better now after I had deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) in June, 2003, but I still have PD with all its symptoms (freezing, dystonia, tremors). Perhaps it is not as strong as before, but I am not cured.
PD could not and will not rule my emotions because I won't let it! I am still on the roller coaster ride but thanks to love, I am able to face any challenges life might bring. The fount of love is the reciprocal love of my children. Unconditionally, they love me just as I am, any time of the day or night. I don't need make-up (although, I won't go out of my house without it!), or to impress them with a good meal, or hide my shaky hands whenever PD symptoms manifest. I can laugh, cry, nag, and let my emotions go free the same way my children did when they were little. We tolerate each other's ups and downs.
I know I have to learn to let go of them; they have lives of their own to live. I also know they are becoming adults and they will soon find love themselves.
But while they are living here with me, we will breathe in the honeysuckle of life, save it in my memory, and recall that memory every time I need encouragement, strength, and love.
My advice to you is, appreciate those that are next to you - your husband, your friend, your nurse, or your pet. Because PD or not, we all need, we all thrive with that thing called love.
Love Bridging the Generation Gap with Author's Book About Grandpa's Parkinson's Disease
Margot Grant Evans chose to take her son's point-of-view when she wrote the book "My Grandpa Has Parkinson's". This labor of love certainly will bring this young man closer to his grandpa through the choice memories that it will create. We encourage you to find ways to help love flower in your life.