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!