About me


As far as I can remember, I have always been athletic. To find out that I had Parkinson's Disease in 2004, was a total surprise! I had to learn everything that I could about this disease. I read everything and went to many seminars and have and still do participate in Clinical Trials. After reviewing my medical records it was determined that I had tremors in 1987, at age 38 years old. I can no longer smell, I drag my left legs often. I loose my balance but I do enjoy dancing. If I fall, I get right back up.

Many things happen to a person with Parkinson's dsease. As of this date, there is no cure, just medicine and/or DBS to help. I can not have DBS because of the damage done from my previous stroke in the area where the surgery would take place. I am getting ahead of myself.

Then came the major stroke in 2004, after my Parkinson's disease diagnosis. How could this happen? Paralyzed on my left side. I had to learn how to speak, chew and swallow foods, regain all movements on my left side including using my hand and fingers to pick up things, legs and feet to move, stand, learn balance and walking., rebuild the muscles. I won't get into that. It took a year of 3 to 4 hours each day of all kinds of therapies. I had a blood clot in a vein burst in my brain. I thank God that I was able to get back to 99% of me.

I have had 4 major surgeries for female problems, beginning in 1981 and so far no more since 2009. In 2010, we ( My husband and I) purchased a motor coach and traveled over the US spreading the word about Parkinson's disease and passing out brochures We no longer have the motor coach.

When I was diagnosed with Dystonia of the feet and calves, I thought ok, I have had enough. Surely, nothing else will happen.

But I was wrong, more would come. I lost the bone in my lower jaw and ended up with cadaver bone, implants, and gums, and snap in lower dentures. I have had 6 other surgeries adding more bone and gum. I also have been dignosed with temors of my voice box, .

Through all of this, I continue to feel totally BLESSED! I Thank God for helping me. Of course I have pity me times, and say, Why Me, Lord? I am human, but most of the time when this happens, I look in the mirror and say, Why Not Me? I am a fighter and I will continue to fight this disease called Parkinson's Disease. I continue to exercise and meditate.

I use to be so shy. Now I give Seminars on Parkinson's Disease Awareness. I also began writing poetry, I hope you enjoy it.

God Bless,

Margie

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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Dance Shake Donate For Parkinsons - Butchen Family Part 4

1,000 Dance Shake & Donate on Main Street, Ridgefield, CT Part 3

Shake It Off by Margie Swope ~Part 2

14 year old girl tells story of Parkinson's Disease THE BEGINNING Part 1

Love~ Peace ~ Hope

Love ~ Peace ~ Hope




Meditation helps to bring some inner Peace
While we continue to work to obtain
Peace of Mind is what we will gain.

Living life to the fullest is our goal
Reaching it helps one feel totally whole
Living without all of the stress
A warm smile filled with happiness 
gives the feeling of being possessed.

A friendly wave and a big smile on your face
Let's others feel the warmth taking place
Love is warmth from deep down inside
Full of patience and cheerfulness,
as well as being kind

Love gives us feelings that you will find
a tingling feeling that goes up our spine.
We continue to show others that we care
Happiness is contagious. We're willing to share.

Without Hope, we would give up and not live.
So join me and share the important three
Love ~ Peace ~ Hope . We are thankful to thee.


Friday, November 28, 2014

Parkinson's is like a storm brewing within



Parkinson's is like a storm brewing within
I hope to stop the worse before it begins

Fortunately I have that inner strength
that helps me go at great lengths
to overcome the pain I feel
I meditate to help me deal

I try to embrace life with a smile that is warm
That's what helps me to defeat this storm

If I were the type that moaned and groaned
Why would anyone want to come to my home
I do all that I can to be able to cope
I can never give up and live without hope

This progressive disease I've had for years
Each day I am thankful for still being here.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving should be a day to be thankful


Thanksgiving should be a day to be thankful

 by Margie Rogers Swope


Life is a wondrous thing to share
With our family and friends
and all that care.
We have had so many Ups and Downs,
But God has always been around.
So Thank you God for all that you do
 I couldn't have done it without you.
When I was depressed 
and had the Parkinson's blues
I could always count on you.
I am thankful for my family near and far
Praying for their safety wherever they are
My husband Larry is my best friend you see
I am grateful for all of the years he has been with me.
I continue to feel blessed to be here another day
Thank you Lord for letting me stay.

God Bless


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Dystonia & Parkinson's


My dystonia beginning to twist as well as cramp.




I have dystonia of my calves and feet
I am not due for Botox for a few weeks.
It kept me up most of the night
I wish I new how to fight 
like I do with PD.

This morning I had pain in my groin 
Don't know what is going on.
Hope I don't have other medical problems again.
I have no time for me to complain

I am so thankful for being blessed
I am here fighting like the rest

I like to learn all that I can
So I may instill another plan
As I fight to slow down PD.

The day will come, when we say no more
Hopefully the news will flash" We found a Cure".



Sunday, November 23, 2014

Relief of my pain today



Hoping for relief for all of my pain,
It is worse than ever before
Making me feel completely drained.
I will not quit, I will fight some more.

I try to meditate for some relief.
I feel like Parkinson's is a thief.
Causing me to feel this way
I force myself and say good grief
I do my routine, with tai chi today.
It seems to help some of the pain to go away.
I rode my tricycle, nearly five miles
I  was able to make it home somehow.

I over did it, some may say
But I try to do things my way.
It does help to take my mind off of it,
Surprisingly the pain is lessoning a little bit.
Hopefully tomorrow I will feel more fit.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Parkinson's Can Be Difficult










Parkinson's disease can be difficult at coping
It is important to learn patience instead of moping
We do have the strength and willpower to fight
We continue to do it with all our might.
We exercise and meditate our body and mind

I try to do different exercise routines
So I don't get tired of the daily same thing
Always remember, we can give in and suffer
I am certain that we won't, because we are tougher.

There is so much living to do
We don't have time for the Parkinson's blues
There is nothing to fear
So please don't shed a tear

You may be in pain,
but there is nothing to gain
if you do nothing to help yourself.

Try going for walk and remember your cane
Enjoy each moment with a smile on your face
Listen to the music of the birds tweeting
Remember to give a warm and friendly greeting

Friday, November 21, 2014

When Life is getting you down





When life is getting you down
And you need a little hope
Look deep down inside yourself
And you'll find the way to cope


It is time to reach within for strength

You may have to go at great lengths
But you will find it, yes indeed
For this is what you need.


Life on earth is truly a precious gift
God has been with us the entire time
Helping our feelings begin to lift
Making us feel so alive.
These moments we should treasure
Because they become our pleasures




Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Begin our Day looking at the Positive.



Let's begin our day by looking at the positive in our lives.
We woke up this morning, fortunately we have survived
We are able to do our daily routine and that is wonderful
Which makes us feel so comfortable.
Knowing this slows down Parkinson's disease.
We can laugh and enjoy our lives, if you please

For God has given us another day,

So let's act like kids and go out and play,
It sounds like fun to play hide and seek.
The important thing is not to peek
Someone is going to think we are crazy
But it's fun and it's better than being lazy.

 Life is too short to worry about what others may say

It's important to enjoy whether it is dancing or to play
Be happy whatever you choose to do
The decision is up to you.




A good day to make bread




Wow what a difference a day makes.
It is  a cold windy day, in the 40's they say
That's cold for us in south western Florida
It's going to be a baking day.

I decided to make different breads
Having  a variety, lemon pepper,
cranberry and blueberry
I like to serve a large spread.

As I am making these, 
I have so many memories
Making noodles and hanging them up to dry.
Making Potato candy,  and peanut brittle, oh my
So much fun, remembering those times.

It has been a very hard working day
But I am thrilled I was able to say,
I did it, and I  sit down and pray,
Thanking God for this day.




Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Veterans Day at Pelican preserve



Our singing group is called Pelican Preserve Acapelicans

Singing is so beautiful and good exercise for us to do
Parkinson's is taking a toll on my voice too.
My voice is good for awhile
and then becomes softer and squeaky.
All of a sudden my voice is so creaky.
Truly that just isn't my style.


Information about Pelican Preserve Acapelicans: Our group is all wonderful volunteers.
A team of caring and dedicated people
Some are former teachers,accountants, 
engineers, and realtors.
I am the only one with Parkinson's disease.

We can change Parkinson's disease by changing ourselves.




We can change Parkinson's disease by changing ourselves.

We begin by exercising our body and mind.
Biking, tai chi, swimming, walking or whatever you choose
We meditate to fight the Parkinson's blues
The most important thing is to continue to find
What you like to do.
There is no time to just sit or take a snooze
We are slowing down Parkinson's Disease
By fighting it with all our might.

I'd like to learn how to detonate,
As well as to activate.
I'd be the first to light the fuse
and send PD to Kingdom come
If I drank, I'd give myself some rum.

I know that's not possible
I'd like to say I'm responsible
For dreaming, what I'd do
to Parkinson's and it's blues.



Monday, November 17, 2014

SHAKE IT OFF WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE by Margaret ( Margie) Swope




If you would care to donate, please go to:

http://unitywalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1113790&lis=1&kntae1113790=2AF52485985843F6A8FCD86A96A913DD&supId=335022042

Thank you!

Let's have some fun, and pass it on : Shaking and Dancing to Taylor Swift
Shake it off.




Sunday, November 16, 2014

I look within and feel so blessed


For the past few days I pushed myself too hard
My mind says I can, but my body lets me know when I can't
At times I get aggravated  when I am unable to do
That's part of my upbringing  


I look within and feel so blessed  
I am at peace and not stressed
I go for a walk and feel a slight breeze
blowing through my hair so gently.
I see a squirrel running up a tree
Traveling with so much ease.
I did remember my sunscreen
I like to play and sing away
While I do my morning routine
I go outside with a smile on my face 
I love to spread cheer to all that hear.
I promised hubby, I will rest for awhile
To be honest that is not my style
I did some laundry and made homemade soup.
Now it's time to rest and recoup.
































Friday, November 14, 2014

I Feel At Ease



Often I begin my day going through the same routine.
If you go outside remember to use sunscreen.
Melanoma, is a side effect of the medicine we take.
So please, play it safe and use it for heavens sake.

Parkinson's is a progressive disease

But for some reason I feel at ease.
Many years I have suffered
Now I know that I are tougher.

All the years this disease has been with me

I no longer have fears of what tomorrow will be.
I thank God each day that has been given to me

I've had a stroke, loosing my left side.

I couldn't talk, walk, or even swallow.
I just couldn't bury my head and hide
All the the guidance, I learned to follow
But after a year of physical therapy
I regained back 99% of me. 

I have endured many surgeries since then

Instead of complaining what I am unable to do
I prefer to live life to the fullest what I can do.

Having fun, trying to ignore my pain.

It is important for me to refrain
from letting PD get the most of me.
I love life and love to smile
I hope to stay here for awhile.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Subtract the Negative


           
Every time we subtract out the negative from our life
We make room for more positive


Life has it's up's and down and twist and turns  
Sometimes we freeze and other times we fall 
But we have managed to overcome it all.

Each day we move by exercising our body and mind  
We remove all of those negatives that puts us in a bind
Don't feel bad when you can't keep up with a few
It is perfectly fine to move slow, as long as you do

We all have times when you just can't participate.
Just tell yourself that you are taking a break.
We are beginning to show it on our face
We are  beginning to win the race 
Although we are moving at a slow pace

We continue to have that drive 
This tells us that we will survive
We now have so much pride
It can seen in our eyes.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

My love of Life



Margaret (Margie) Swope



My love of life is so important to me.
I have accepted my Parkinson's disease.
I have been given a second chance you see.
I was fortunate to go through a clinical trial
That reversed this Parkinson's for awhile
But now it is coming back to me.
I am beginning to shuffle as I walk
My voice is softer as I talk
Loosing my balance a little more
I have no complaints, that's for sure.
At times when I meditate,
I imagine that I can fly
Just like a bird way up in the sky.
Imagine the wonders that could be seen
Seeing the lawn so pretty and green.
Watching people swimming along the shore
Seeing the traffic, oh what a bore.
The love for my Family and friends
Is what living is all about.
There is no time to just sit and pout.
By writing my poems, I clearly see
How much God has given me.
God Bless!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Smiles





Lets take a moment and really see
what life has to offer you and me.
Take the time and meet your neighbors
You never know when you may need one another.
You may make a lasting friendship 
just by taking the step to meet your neighbors


Take a walk and enjoy the sunshine.
Smile and say hello, that person may even smile back at you.
But you better be careful because your smile could be contagious
Everyone you smiled at, may pass it on to others 
and before you know it, everyone may be smiling.
You could be on the "Wanted Posters"






Charged with causing a disturbance of making everyone feel happy.   Ha ! Ha!







Sunday, November 9, 2014

A Damp Rainy Day





It is morning and I look out my window and see 
A damp rainy day, that is needed they say
It can turn out to be, depressing day,
But I won't let it be that way.

I  go to my web site to begin my Tai Chi
It is a balance exercise for me
I listen to soft music as I meditate
Making me feel like I could levitate.

I decided to go on my lanai 
and listen to the rain falling from the sky.
It is so relaxing to me
Making me feel so at ease.

I do everything I can to chase those blues away
Because I want to make the best of my day.






































Saturday, November 8, 2014

When Times Seem Hard



When times seem hard as they tend to be
Fight to live and that's the key
Let yourself smile and you will see
The strength that God has given to thee.

I know at times you want to give in
But that's not possible, we must win
This battle with Parkinson's disease.

The courage we show, as we fight
Let's everyone know that we are right.
Our battle within this disease of ours.
Will continue to grow unless we show, 
that we have all of the power.

By exercising our body and mind, 
You will be able to find
The strength and courage 
to slow down Parkinson's disease.
Be patient and not in a hurry.
It's ok to be slow with all the things that we do.
This is a regiment we must stick to 
Our life is a gift and we can not quit.

God Bless