December 2014
It takes a country to raise awareness. It takes you, to educate your friends and family about Parkinson's Disease.
This past week, with Christmas drawing near, my Forever Friends (3 incredible women I met at University 32 years ago) met for our annual dinner "out". Each Christmas we get together to celebrate a little cheer of the holiday season.
It just so happened, and not by chance I suppose, that I was a little more shaky than usual. Being out of the comfort zone of my home tends to do that to me. So, as we walked from the car to the restaurant in the dark, one of the girls grabbed my arm. I tend to lose balance very quickly in the dark.
We were seated, ordered, and began to chat about everything since our last time together. It gets very frustrating as someone with PD, to follow and contribute to conversation with more than one person. But, my Forever Friends are aware of this, so pause when necessary, wait for me to contribute, and recognize when I am floundering. But without emphasis on the situation, we continue to discuss everything that comes to mind.
When dinner was over, the waitress asked us if we wanted a big bulky foam box to take our left overs home. Right away I responded with a , "No thanks, I'm fine". With my plate still half full, one of the girls reached over and emptied my plate for me. She knew without any cue from me, that I just did not want to battle the box, and make a mess.
My Forever Friends, like my family, have been educated about the daily struggles of living with Parkinson's. As soon as I was diagnosed, it was my goal to spread awareness of the disease, its symptoms, and methods used to assist in daily living.
I blogged, I wrote, I spoke, and I facebooked about Parkinson's Disease. I shared information, and read articles and books to and with them. And because I insisted on spreading the word, they "GET it". My friends knew how to assist me without asking, give me time when needed, and grab my arm when the situation called for it. And I did not have to ask or direct any of the uncomfortable situations. They just got it.
I just wanted to take this moment to remind those with Parkinson's how important and life changing it is to raise awareness of the disease, with those they love. Everyone that loves you, will learn and ease what could be uncomfortable situations.
So write, speak, or sing if you have to. Spread awareness of your disease, and how it changes your life. Those who love you, will support you in ways you never imagined.
I should not have been surprised at the wonderful comfort I received that night, after all, I didn't name them, My Forever Friends, for no reason.
Be strong and align your army against this disease. The battle can be easier when everyone knows the enemy.
