One thing that many people might not associate with experiencing Parkinson’s disease is grief. Experiencing grief with this disease is real. It can be felt deep down in your soul, whether you are the one who actually has the disease or you are the caregiver. You mourn for…
Journeying Through Parkinson’s Disease
— Sherri Woodbridge
Sherri was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease over 15 years ago. She can be found working in her garden, going for walks, taking pictures, or reading books to her three favorite grandkids. Sherri is taking life somewhat slower, and perhaps with guarded steps, but she’s not giving in.
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How do I start this? What do I say? A few years after I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, I went to my movement disorder specialist for my routine, three-month checkup. We chatted for a while and then he brought up the subject of work. How…
Sherri Woodbridge -- Journeying Through Parkinson's Disease
I recently read an article in Country Living titled, “40 Things No Woman Over 40 Should Ever Have in Her Home.” The piece intrigued me and inspired me to write this column. Following is my list of things I suggest people with Parkinson’s disease should consider discarding: 1. Unworn…
We all want something in life. We want to win the lottery or find our perfect mate. For those of us with a chronic illness, we’d be more than satisfied with a cure for our disease. Until we find a cure for Parkinsons’s disease, I’ve compiled a list…
I attend my boxing class twice a week. Regardless of whether she is having a good or not-so-good day, Kathy, another woman in my class, will be smiling. Not only will she be smiling, but she will be giving away words of encouragement. I often hear her thanking one…
I can’t believe that it’s been almost 39 years since I got married. July 4, 1980, was the day I obtained my independence. Sort of. When the pastor was preparing for our wedding ceremony with my soon-to-be husband and me, he asked if we would like to include a particular…
A warrior is not a worrier. A worrier has no peace, is filled with anxiety, and frets over the smallest things. Worriers tend to be lacking in courage and a calm spirit. Warriors exude courage. They are brave in the midst of the battle. They are fighters determined to…
Sometimes we need to be encouraged in our journey with Parkinson’s disease. We become weary and find ourselves at the edge of despair. We feel like we’ve nothing left to give and life is losing its luster. What better way to dispel the gloom than to read an inspiring book?…
There are days when it feels like we are surrounded by darkness. We live with so many unanswered questions about this illness that it can frustrate us. We often are surprised by so many twists and turns. Sometimes we forget that we must endure and do battle with the…
Last week, I attended my boxing class. Temperatures were in the high 80s, and we knew we’d be sweating profusely by the end of the session. As we prepared for class, one member who wore shorts commented to another wearing pants, “You’re going to be hot with those pants…
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). So, too, is restlessness. However, the two symptoms are not the same. When you experience both, and add discomfort to the equation, you have a very uncomfortable person dealing with PD. I can relate so well. I have walked…
My youngest grandson is 4. He loves to do whatever we’re doing, whether it’s cooking with Grandpa, changing the oil in his dad’s truck, or planting seeds in the garden with me, Grammy. When he comes into the house, he almost immediately climbs onto the bar stool, ready to…
I was reading through some forums for Parkinson’s disease recently and came across one that was talking about stress. I am a fairly calm, even-keeled person who handles stress pretty well. I thought so anyhow. The woman who brought up the topic of stress said she had felt like her…
I have been reading a book by disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada. One part in particular had me mulling over it for days. In her book, Joni tells a story about a time when her team went to Uganda to deliver wheelchairs to those in need. A man named…
Two words are often confused with each other in the English language: empathy and apathy. Not only are their meanings different, but they are also quite at opposition with each other. Both terms, however, can relate to Parkinson’s disease. Empathy deals with being able to understand the thoughts…
I will never again underestimate the strength of a McDonald’s paper cup — or my Rock Steady Boxing class. The other day, I took my grandson to his favorite playground: McDonald’s. A friend was meeting us there with her grandson. By the time she arrived, the place was…
I had breakfast with some friends today. One I hadn’t seen for six months and another for 10 years. Both of them are forever kind of friends, the sort who overlook your flaws. Flaws like Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is rare for me to have tremors with all of…
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