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    

Our struggles

Many times we have to struggle

When we have troubles

But we continue to fight

At anytime, day or night

Our life depends on not giving in

Even when we feel like we are out on a limb

Pushing and moving when we can barely move

We do this each day, to make sure we improve

Parkinson’s won’t win as long as we are together

We will begin to feel as light as a feather.

No more feeling as if we were carrying weights

Gliding smoothly as if we had on skates

These wonderful memories gives us hope

Helping us to be able to cope

Having family and friends so dear

Helping us fight without any fears

Being together we will continue to endure.
Until the day comes when there is a cure!

Sound of Music

When I hear the sound of music it makes me smile
I enjoy dancing, even if it's just for a little while
Listening to the melodies, that I truly adore
I can feel the beat as my feet wants to soar
So off we go dancing on the dance floor

I may walk with a cane and shuffle my feet
But I can get up dancing and it feels so sweet
Up on the dance floor, I feel healthy and free
Then all of a sudden down I go, falling on my knees.

I get right back up, knowing it is time to sit and rest
Off the dance floor I go, knowing I am so blessed!
No broken bones, a little bruised and just out of breath
These are special times for me, I must confess.

I like hip hop, line dancing, doing the slide, slow dancing and more
I enjoy all of it, even if I mess up, I laugh doing what I adore.
Sharing the music with my husband is always a pleasure
Certain songs brings back many memories that I treasure.

Have you ever listen to a song and felt that beat
Your body may tingle right down to your feet.
Music has a way to enlighten us during the day
It brings us happiness and joy in so many ways

Parkinson's around the World

So many of us around the World have Parkinson's disease
Each day, the numbers  continue to grow, it is hard to believe
There are so many questions, without answers for sure
Will we ever know, or just continue to hope for more  

Our scientists, doctors and researchers are finding out more
The brain is a big puzzle and challenge as they explore.
As time has past, they are getting a better understanding
The World Parkinson's Coalition is outstanding

Renowned health professionals, researchers, and advocates globally will be there
Discussing cutting edge science, clinical research and comprehensive care
Knowing that exercising, meditating and positive thinking is the trend
Many Professionals agree it is another tool that they recommend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some helpful information if you are interested:

Join us in Portland, Oregon for the 4th World Parkinson Congress 

More than 3,500 people from 65 countries will attend the WPC 2016 in Portland, OR 

9/20/2016 to 9/23/2016
When:	9/20/2016
Where:	Oregon Convention Center 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Portland 97232 United States
Presenter:	World Parkinson Coalition

Go to their Website to for more information:

http://www.wpc2016.org/?page=Promotion

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Exercise with HOPE

Parkinson's disease can be difficult to cope

The strongest therapy above all, is hope

We have the strength and willpower to defeat

We exercise from our head right down to our feet

By exercising and meditating, makes us feel unstoppable

During those times we feel as if anything is possible

Positive thinking is the next thing to do

Change the negatives to positives, is my gift to you

This will help you feel better and not be feeling blue

You may want to use the computer to play some games

What a wonderful way to exercises your brain

You can also listen to music and dance

It is better than sitting like your in a trance

Try to relax your body and mind

Giving yourself some quiet time.

You completed this task, I call it a wonder-drug.

Now it's time to smile and give yourself a hug.

Olympics and Memories

Our wonderful Olympics and the memories it brings

When I was in school, gymnastic was my thing

I loved the vault, back then, we called it the horse 

Never letting my mind wonder and staying on course

I would run up and spring doing a simple flip

Coming down and landed making it stick

Our gym teacher was very, very strict.

She would say, get out there and do better than your best

Maybe, just maybe, I strive today to fight PD and feel blessed

I hope that after all these years, I still pass the test.

I do all that I can and more to overcome this disease

Meditation helps to relax my body and mind, to feel at ease 

I have my pity moments, don't get me wrong

But then I say to myself, get over it and stay strong.

There are others, that have it worse than me

If there is a spark left in me, I will not flee

Throughout my life, I have had many challenges to face

As time has past, I move slowly, but at my own pace

I am thankful for my family, friends and the Lord

It is the greatest of any rewards!