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.

Believe, You Can Do It!

I wake up in the morning and have trouble getting up out of bed,
Thanking God for another day. I move slowly and take my meds.

I start my day by stretching and lifting small weights
This helps to relax my muscles, to begin doing the figure eight
No not on skates, but riding my tricycle, since the weather is great

Upon arriving back home, I go out on the lanai to meditate
Relaxing my body and mind, I needed this to rejuvenate.

There are times, when it is hard to continue to cope
But this voice inside, says there is always hope

Always, within me, I feel the joy.
Just like a kid, in the toy store
Life has many ups and down
This is no reason to sit and frown,

I tell myself, don't give in, this is not the time to quit
The will power in many of us, is called true grit.

Believe, You can do it!

Our Christmas Ball of 2017

I was all dressed up and off we went to our Christmas Ball

For the very first time, we were early and waited until our name was called

The dinner music was perfect, while we ate.

Then the music changed, and the dance music was great.

My husband and I danced away, as we felt the beat

All of a sudden, I felt odd, and we went to our seats

I had a hard time breathing as I missed the chair

My husband caught me and laid me down, I needed air

I heard my husband saying, please give her a chance to catch her breath

She has Parkinson's disease and asthma, this isn't a sudden death

Please make room so that she can get air, this happens sometimes

Two doctors were there and a nurse, taking my pulse, I was fine

Yes, this happened to me last night

Sometimes, I want to hide out of sight

But I tell myself, don't be embarrassed

My faith in God, I continue to cherish

I didn't want or plan on this happening

I am thankful for not panicking.

God sent those medical people to be by my side

I am fortunate to have them as neighbors, I must confide

I thank the people who wanted to help me

God has blessed me, I am so thankful to thee

Christmas is a special time

So many memories, I have from the past

But things have changed, and time is moving fast.

I am not as young as I used to be

I can't do the things, or move as free

Parkinson's gave me a strike you see

But I am not complaining

I just felt it needed some explaining.

As time has past, my symptoms are getting worse

I thank the Lord, that I don't need a nurse

Depression is a common thing, especially during the holidays

Go out in the sunshine, it will help in so many ways.

Listen to up-lifting music, and put a smile on your face

Be proud of what you are doing and do it at your pace 

We all have times, when it is difficult to cope

Always remember your best friend is HOPE.

Thank the Lord for each day

Especially on his Birthday!

Parkinson's disease Day - April 11

This day is special for a me and you
And the thousands more that have it too
It is the biggest battle to fight for sure
Hopefully they will find a cure

Most of the day, I feel so much pain
I won't give in or just sit and complain
I prefer to look at the wonderful gift of life
Reach way deep - all the way -deep inside

Keep in mind, you are never alone
There is the internet and always the phone
At times it can be difficult to cope
Never give in, there is always hope

Yes, there are times we suffer
But that's what makes us so much tougher.
One step at a time, finding your internal strength
We are pushing those stiffened arms at length

We move our limbs and stretch them out
We begin to stand and move about.
We raise our voice and sing out loud
We did it, we feel good and oh so proud!

Everyday, we must conquer and defeat
Not giving into PD  feels so sweet!

The Holiday Season

There are many days that we can barely move

But we must force ourselves to improve

With great effort we must try

Even with flowing tears from our eyes

It's perfectly fine to have some frustration

Our passion for living is full of determination

Although life has many ups and downs

Let's all work to turn this all around

We can begin to look at the bright side

Feeling good about our achievements with pride

Begin each day feeling delighted

Share each moment feeling excited

Reminisce of Christmas past

Drinking cocoa and having a blast!

Decorating the Christmas tree

Is full of joy, can't you see

Listening to Christmas Carols is wonderful

The sweet sound, is helping us feel so delightful

There is such warmth and magic in the air

By sharing with others and saying a prayer!

Merry Christmas!

Why Oh Why?

Coffee

Nicotine

Marijuana 

Red Wine

I have read so many reports that say the following may help with Parkinson's:

                            coffee, wine, nicotine and marijuana. 

Nicotine is good for Parkinson's but it causes cancer and addiction

Marijuana is good for all medical illness but can do harm to some and it is still against the law in a few states, and who knows if the insurance companies will pay.

Red wine is good for you, if you drink it in moderation. The same is said for coffee.

We should all  get plenty of sleep and sleep on our side. Sounds good but many of us are lucky to get 4 hours of sleep a night and by 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning, all we care about at that time - is please let my body and mind go to sleep.

I continue to exercise, maintain good weight and eat plenty of fiber. I do my best to be happy and not be depressed.

I guess I should drink a cup or two of coffee each day, and drink a glass of red wine at night.

Why can't they put nicotine and marijuana in the form of a pill for us to take. Instead they spend so much money on research and where does that leave us.

Why - Oh why- is that too much to ask for? And while you are making that pill, please put in a nice non-habit sleeping aid. 

If you make that pill, I will drink coffee and drink a glass of red wine each day.

Thank you.

Grape Vine

This morning upon waking up, I could barely move

My body was stiff and sore, but I had to prove

That no matter what, those limbs of mine

Have to move so I can get into the groove

With the music, by doing the grapevine

I love to dance, so lets try and take a chance

We can feel the grove, as we see them dance

All you have to do is feel the beat

Then you will begin to move your feet

Even if you hold onto a chair and take small steps

It's loads of fun, and when you are finish you can rest

Just by trying, you will feel so much better

It is a lot better than sitting and watching the weather. 

So join me and lets have fun!

It all begins In your mind

As I woke up this morning, I thanked the Lord for giving me this day

At times I feel so alone with the disease, my life continues this way

Then I go into my bathroom and look in the mirror and say

" Life is full of hard knocks, be thankful that you are here each day"

Giving up and feeling depressed will make you worse in in so many ways

These negative times, can make us feel inadequate

So let's learn to be the heavy weight, and start to activate

Feeling good about yourself each moment in your life is a fantasy.

We must learn ways, to grasp the good and let that be our normality.

We all have bad days and it is ok to feel down at times

Don't feel guilty that you can't feel positive and act like all is fine.

Practice telling yourself, each step that you take to overcome any negative

Whether it is going outside or talking to someone, will help you feel positive.

Remember - It all begins in your mind 

Now - this very moment, you can begin to shine!

Sometimes we have to Remind Ourselves

So many times, I hear, we are getting closer to a cure

How many times, they say, get involved to fund a little more

In the past year or so, they discovered more now than ever before

You may have to remind yourself, we are so close

I will never, ever give up hope

Whenever it is possible, I volunteer to do clinical trials

I am hopeful that I don't end up to be  just another file.

I have taken charge of fundraisers in the past

But I must admit, as time has passed, I am running out of gas

I am still involved with clinical trials, my blogs and seminars

But traveling and raising funds, will just be in my memoirs

I gave up my car keys, because of my slow reaction

When I become nervous, the tremors are worse and another distraction.

Sharing and caring about others is what I foresee

Although Parkinson's is a part of me, it's not all that is wrong with me

Exercise, meditating, positive thinking keeps me going you see.

Most important to me are my family, friends and Our Lord, Jesus Christ

I can not complain, knowing that the Son of God had sacrificed

Many Times You Have To Try.

There have been times when I would only sleep three to four hours a night
I was on the computer or talking to Parkinson's friends thinking it was alright
The day finally came and I said this has to end
I decided to go to bed and relax and it has been a godsend
It didn't happen over night and I wasn't willing to bale out.
In fact that took several months, but it all came about.

I have learned over the years, no matter what the circumstance,
We should do what is necessary and take chances
Never knowing unless you make the effort to try
Even if we fail, just don't give in and go on stand-by
But have patience, and even if there is little change
You gave it your all, for it may be out of range

Always, keep that drive you have within
Pushing harder each day, until you win!

Our Family Memories

Precious times watching our son and daughter grow
They both make us so proud, we could just glow

Memories of our first grandchild, Kristina, was such a gift
But living a thousand miles away, those precious times we missed
Then came our step granddaughter, Angela another gift
Times moved forward, looking back only wish we never missed
Watching them grow into beautiful caring ladies
We are proud grandparents more now than when they were babies

Our daughter lives forty miles from us
Watching the birth of our granddaughter Madison was a plus
Then came along our grandson Grant, just 18 months apart
They are just so lovable and a pair of sweethearts.
Yes we are proud grandparents and have so much love for all
Our family makes us so proud, if we could grow, we would be 10 feet tall.

We have been blessed with so many good friends over the years
Moving throughout the United States and Japan, leaving with tears
My husband was a Marine, so we moved quite often 
After settling down in Florida, I guess our next move will be a coffin.

But we continue to make memories, as our lives go onward
Enjoying fun times with our friends, as time moves forward
Parkinson's slows me down, but I do the best I can
Enjoying our lives with one another, that is our plan.

We think positive with life's ups and downs
Feeling so blessed that we are still around.

A Poem written by My Dear Friend, Jim Evridge

I lost a Dear Friend on July 19, 2016, Jim Evridge Jr., because of  stage 4 Emphysema "AKA:SILVERFOXX-FIGHTING BACK".

Jim had Parkinson's disease and helped many of us suffering with Parkinson's disease through the years. We sometimes laughed, shared memories, knowledge and most of all friendship. My husband Larry and I were able to visit Jim and Kathy a few years ago, when they came to Florida, Wow- what a treat! Such a wonderful caring couple.  Jim gave me permission to use his poem. It has always been on this site, since I began this blog.

 I want to share the poem he wrote:

We have PD .. 

We are a kindred spirit

We cope as best as we can against terrible odds.

We sometimes succeed sometimes we fail sadly,

But we never give up, or give into it.

We rely on each other

We lean on each other

We cry with each other 

We dry each other’s tears.

We love one another like. no other love felt

We lift each other up

We compliment each other.

We share our joys.

We share our misgivings.

We learn from each other.

We care for each other.

We understand.

We try our best to defy the odds,

Against this evil monster … PD.

We fight with everything we have.

We shall never give up our cause.

We shall never give into it.

We have PD

Together you and I, whoever and wherever you are equals “WE”.

Written by Jim Evridge.

No more suffering, dear Jim. You were a true fighter!

"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into a flame by another human being. Each of us owes our deepest thanks to those who have rekindled that light."   Albert Schweitzer 

"Always remember to be thankful for what you have. There are those less fortunate than you and I who have hope in their hearts and prayers of thanks on their lips."   Jim Evridge AKA:Silverfoxx_Fighting_Back