Poetry: Living life to the fullest

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Many of us with Parkinson's disease

Many of us with Parkinson's disease

Have learned to be at peace.

Not knowing what the future will hold

We learned to fight and be bold

Exercise our body and mind is the important key

To slowing down Parkinson's disease.

Most importantly, I have found,

Is to be happy from within and carry a smile

You will feel better by doing so

It is so much better than wearing a frown.

By moving yourself with exercise this is a big plus too.

You will feel more secure with everything you do.

Take a few moments to pray or meditate each day

I am so thankful to God, for letting me stay.

Each day I enjoy watching birds sing
and the ducks floating in the pond.
Seeing nature at its best is a wonderful thing.

Years pass by and we continue to age
Before we know it we are near our final stage
Each moment I take a breath, life is what I cherish
None of us truly knows when we will parish.

So live life each day as if it were your last
Join with me, and let's have a blast.

Monday, December 15, 2014

We live in a Beautiful World

We live in a beautiful world and have been totally blessed.
Overcoming Parkinson's disease is our quest
By following our passions, we will be fine
Having a positive attitude, we will shine.

Many thoughts of wanting to light the fuse
to rid ourselves of the Parkinson's blues
Sounds great but impracticable.
Let's try to make it manageable
By taking a walk and moving about
We begin to explore just like a scout.

We've had many falls and lots of tough breaks,
We took our chances but knew what was at stake.
We sweated, we ached, and we worked all the while,
And we hid all the pain with a convincing smile.
We plan to to continue each day, for sure
Until they say Parkinson's is no more.

Day of Event - Unity Walk - Annual Fundraising Walk In Central Park NYC To Raise Money For Research Into Parkinson's Disease

Help me raise funds and
awareness for
Parkinson's disease research!

I have signed up to walk and fundraise for the 2015 Parkinson’s Unity Walk which will be held in New York's Central Park.
The pictures are My husband Larry & myself as well as my Service Dog, Spencer.
Why I'm walking:
Every walker and donor makes a difference by taking the Walk one step closer to finding the cause and cure for Parkinson’s. By joining together with thousands of others, we'll be empowering those who are living with the disease, and honoring those who lived with Parkinson’s.

Who I’m walking for:
Over 1 million people in the United States have Parkinson’s. 60,000 people are newly diagnosed every year – one person, every nine minutes. Walking and raising funds and awareness for research is my chance to help.

Why I'm supporting the Parkinson’s Unity Walk:
100% of donations go to research. The Parkinson’s Unity Walk is the largest grassroots event in the U.S., raising funds and awareness for research.

Ways to support my fundraising efforts:
There's strength in numbers so please join me. Donate, register to walk, and fundraise.
Originally from Hagerstown, Maryland. We now live in Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida. My husband is a retired Marine. Asking for everyone to please contribute even if it is $5.00. By donating, which is tax deductible will help the researchers to find a better way to treat or find a cure for Parkinson's Disease.
Would love to have you join me to fight this terrible disease.
Thank you and God Bless,
Margie Swope

To Donate- Please go to:

http://unitywalk.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=1113790&u=1113790-335022042

An Accident

An accident

An accident can throw you into a whirlwind of emotions.

You feel like your going to have an explosion.

I went to a Christmas Ball

Luckily I didn't fall.

But a man step on my ankle

and after plenty of ice

I decided to dance
I wanted to take a chance

But after arriving home.

My foot began to swell

I spent the night in living hell.

When morning finally arrived

I went to an Urgent care

I was determined to survive.

After x-rays, I was told a fracture ankle.

I guess I should be thankful.
They put on a brace around my heel
I said to myself, let's get real
I am unable to put my foot down
I began to frown
The Doc said that is the purpose
He said it with sternness
Not to move your ankle.
It must stay in place.

So much baking to do, parties to attend,

and singing with our group.

I just can't pretend.

What do I do? How can I recoup?
I decided to take a deep breath
Be calm, and for a moment, just rest
I don't want to get all depressed

I decided to take a stand
and just do what I can.

Note: The person that stepped on my ankle apologized
and felt so bad. It was an accident. I don't blame him.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Hooray, I made it another day!

Hooray, I made it another day!

The cold weather is upon us

it is a new adventure and a plus

As I begin my morning walk,

My neighbor stopped and talked.

I saw a heron by the pond,

looking for fish to feed upon.

I saw a squirrel climbing a tree

But as soon as he saw me

he continued to flee

The sun felt warm as I moved at a slow pace

I am happy I don't have to race

As I began to head back home

I suddenly felt so alone

Why do I feel this way, I wondered

All of a sudden I began to shudder

I understood what was going on

I walked too far, this Saturday morn

My medicine is past due

I say to myself, "Shame on you"'

This is why I began to feel so blue.

I called my hubby explaining my predicament

He is so caring and so magnificent.

How fortunate I am

having such a wonderful man.

He is my partner through thick and thin

I think I'll keep him and not trade him in.

Note: Larry & Margie have been married for 48 plus years.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Christmas Light Show

A Christmas Light Show to raise awareness of Parkinson's. http://www.kare11.com/…/land-of-10000-…/2014/12/11/20284475/

Parkinson's diagnosis inspires Christmas light show

Mike Justak has build a 58,000 light synchronized show how to help others, who like him, who have Parkinson's disease.

KARE11.COM

I am not invisible

Having Parkinson's disease can be lonely

Some people may think I am a phony.

I walk right in and sit a while.

All of a sudden help is needed

I realized my body felt defeated

I tried but couldn't get up,

I was totally stuck

Some people can be cynical.

Gossiping as if I am invisible.

I don't fake it, can't you see

No one wants Parkinson's disease.

There are people with PD,

that can't walk you see,

but when they hear that musical beat

they can dance.

They take that chance including me, wanting to be free

of this disease.

Please don't act like you are the judge of others or me.

Apparently you don't understand Parkinson's disease

The inner workings of the brain is as mysterious as can be.

Science with research are breaking that barrier to help you and me.

WE by JIM EVRIDGE

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”.

The poem was written by a dear friend name Jim Evridge, who has passed ( He had Parkinson’s disease and DBS surgery. Jim's wife Kathy, lives in New Jersey.