Parkinson’s Disease and the Uninvited Guest

When Parkinson’s entered my life, it brought an uninvited guest along with it: Parkinson’s me. Parkinson’s me follows me everywhere and is part of everything I do. Most of the time, she quietly stays in the background. Other times, she is overwhelming, to the point where putting on my brave…

Finding the Little Surprises in Life

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…

Sometimes Grace Hurts

Steven Curtis Chapman said it best: 
”I don’t even wanna breathe right now …I don’t even wanna be right now I don’t wanna think another thought …I don’t wanna feel this pain I feel 
[but] right now, pain is all I’ve got.” It was…

Caregivers: We Wouldn’t Make It Without You

Sitting in the neurologist’s office, my questions usually get answered, my fears often get calmed, my symptoms often are addressed. However, I sometimes wonder how my husband feels sitting there, listening in, adding his two cents worth. How does he feel about what he sees happening to me…

Grandparenting with Parkinson’s Disease

You’ll soon be blessed with your first grandchild. The news brings joy to your ears and puts a spring in your step, until you begin to reevaluate: You have Parkinson’s disease. Will you prove to be of no use? Will you be a burden? A bother? Just in…