Childhood Memories around Christmas time.

 Christmas at our home, was a very special time of the year.
We would go up in the mountains and dad would be grinning from ear to ear
Dad would pick a large cedar tree and chop it down
He would yell timber, as it fell to the ground
It was always too big to get through our door, 
So dad would laugh as he cut it even more

Dad always built a platform and placed the tree in the center
Our tree was always too big, but we felt like a winner
The tree always had blue lights, with bulbs galore
The ice sickles were placed one by one, always adding more

Dad always put a thin layer of angel hair over the entire tree
As dad put the train tracks on the platform, Mom sang with glee
We loved hearing Mom sing, sounding like Patsy Cline
Sometimes we would join in, having a good time.

These special childhood memories are dear to me

My Mom & Dad

Mom & Dad 1947

I woke up this morning

Waking up in the morning, this is me

I thank the Lord, for this very day, you see

I know I look a wreck and it is hard to move

Taking my medicine, I begin to improve

I get dressed and put on my shoes

Off on my bike,  seeing the views

With my dog name Spencer, in my rear basket

Riding along,  I felt like my windpipe blew a gasket

I began to gasp for air, telling myself to relax

I have tremors of my voice box, and must settle back

Taking my bike off the path, while relaxing my breathing

This has helped me, several times during my training

Turning around, I began feeling shaky and numb

I headed back home,  that is where I started from.

Living with Parkinson's

I recently discovered that I have a tremor in my voice box
I want to run away and be sly like a fox
But where does that get me?
Parkinson's, strokes, dystonia, oh gee

With my prior history of  medical problems
You would think I would hit rock bottom
But  I won't give in
Parkinson's, is not my friend.

I call all of this band-aid and patch up time
Send me here and there so I'll feel fine
I do voice therapy, tai chi, meditate and dance
I just won't sit, and won't take that chance.
Unable to move freely, like living in a trance

I will do everything to fight Parkinson's disease
Even if there are no guarantees.
What's next for me?
Whatever will be, will be.
As long as I have the Lord on my side
I will continue to feel like I shine.

Please don't be angry or pity me

When I go shopping or have to walk far, I use a wheelchair

We were at Disney, and a women yelled at me,"People like you shouldn't be here"

It made me angry, and I felt hurt, but all I did was stare.

I have also been told," Oh honey, I feel so sorry for you

You have been through so much, you must feel blue."

I did not ask for a stroke, dystonia, depression or Parkinson's disease

I say to all as I am smiling, each day is a challenge, but I'm blessed you see

I can still do things, but I have learned to live with limitations

I never want to give in or live with frustration.

I begin each day, thanking God for giving me another day

Exercising in my home or outdoors, so my body doesn't decay

I may not be as strong, or fit like I use to be

But I do all that I can, that's just me.

I am hunched over and shuffle as I walk

Sometimes I even whisper when I talk

But I am as happy as can be

Because God is with me.

Parkinson's and me

My father worked for a chemical company for a length of time

My job was to take his clothes outside, to shake the powder off and the grime

I would pretend the white powder was snow flakes

And try to catch as much of the powder in my mouth for heaven's sake

As I grew older, not thinking about the past

Until I had Parkinson's, and researched it at last

Realizing the chemicals were more than likely the key

My genealogy helped, with no one with Parkinson's but me.

I prayed when I had a stroke, leaving me with my left side paralyzed

Through hard work, with God's help, I began to feel energized.

I had to learn to speak, swallow, eat food and move my left side.

It took over a year of hours of therapy 5 days a week, making great strides.

Thank you Lord for being with me, when I felt terrified.

I prayed that I would do what I can for Parkinson's disease

Since that time years ago, I have been in clinical trials, feeling at ease

I began a blog about Parkinson's research, news, and helpful information.

This is a free blog for all and you can even click on translation.

I have gone to seminars and given seminars on Parkinson's awareness, 

Participated in Parkinson's Unity Walk in New York City, which prepared us

Learning so many different things about Parkinson's disease then and now

My husband and I traveled in our motor coach throughout the US and Canada, for awhile

I talked about Parkinson's and passed out brochures
Meeting so many people, became better than any tour
We also saw the beautiful sites of nature as we traveled throughout
Speaking about Parkinson's at our camp sites, we often had a good turnout.