Parkinson’s Journey Update, Stardate 8-1-2010

Seems we’ve been gone a while… I think we’re back.

I think it started when Judy lost her mom. She was busy with all that a tragedy like that entails – details for services, in-town guests, dealing with grief. She still is trudging her way through that sorrow. She will be returning home to Tennessee tomorrow after making an epic climb up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.

Some of you are aware of the Regulars and their quest to end Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease by bringing awareness of these chronic diseases by way of climbing mountains. Those of us who couldn’t make it to the climb, for whatever reason, were there in spirit and praying for the safety of those who did. Knowing Judy, we’ll have a photo recap soon. Until then, she will be having a great week entertaining and being entertained by Jeanette, who will be flying back to TN with her to play for a week.

As I was saying, I think our absence began when Judy’s mom passed away. Judy is the first friend I’ve had to lost a parent and it got me pretty somber and deep in thought over many and various things. I also got my medicine out of whack, and that made for some very long, down days. Boy—depression is the pits with a capital ‘P’.

There were days when I wanted to just climb back in bed and sleep ‘til it had passed. The problem was, it felt like it would never pass. I am happy to report, it has passed and I am awaiting the opportunity to see my doctor and get back on a good, steady path.

Meanwhile, the tremors have worsened, my balance has worsened, it’s spreading to my left side and other stuff is going on, but my outlook is good. I take one day at a time.

I visited my in-laws the first of the summer and that was followed by a trip with my son and daughter in-law (and of course, Boo), up to Idaho where I spent, basically, one day before going to my mom and dad’s for almost two weeks.

While in Idaho, I stayed with my daughter in-law’s parents, who happen to be dear friends. While there (which happened to be Fourth of July weekend), we took in the annual parade and enjoyed a barbeque. In between the festivities, I made two trips to the hospital to visit another dear friend whose six year-old son was on his fifth day there, having just been diagnosed with childhood diabetes. After spending some time with her, I went upstairs (it might have been downstairs) and checked on another dear friend whose grandson had been in an accident, and as a result, just had surgery to fix a collapsed lung.

On the morning after Independence Day, I met up with my parents in Sandpoint (north of Coeur d’Alene) and went to spend time with them in Montana before everyone else arrived four days later. We played Hearts each night for seven days. [The scores are not important for this update.]

While there, Grammie and Boo shared a room and were awakened each morning at 5:30 to the train choo-chooing across the river. Boo enjoyed that much more than Grammie. Grammie preferred the afternoon trains. It’s hard to stay up late playing card games and then be awakened at 5:30 the next morning by a train whistle. Unless you’re two.

Also while there, we were also able to celebrate my mom’s 75th birthday, complete with birthday hats for all.

I was feeling good while there and was actually able to help my mom and dad a lot with the mowing and yard stuff and they were deeply grateful, as my mom has had to pick up the load since my dad’s back surgery in late December. I am happy to report, however, that since we all left, he has been able to do more. Perhaps we inspired him. Perhaps we made him crazy and he figures if he starts doing it again (the mowing, the watering, etc.), we won’t come back. Ain’t gonna happen…

Next week Ken and I will be making another trek back to Santa Cruz to help out with a few maintenance things for my in-laws and hopefully see a couple friends. Last trip we had the blessing of going down and seeing Tamara for one day. It was a short trip but a wonderful visit.

Since being at home, the zucchini has started producing, tomatoes are ripening, strawberries are sweetening, flowers are blooming and going to seed, we’re spending a great deal of time sweating (90’s-105 degrees), or shall I say ‘glowing’. No, sweating is definitely more appropriate. Gardening has always been my joy, my therapy, my passion. However (and this added to the aforementioned depression), I can no longer do it for more than 30 minute increments due to the pain. What a pain!

I also had a nice surprise waiting for me when I got home—I’m in a book. One of my stories (true story) was accepted by Guideposts and can be found in the newly published hardbound copy of ‘In Times of Need’, page 74, titled “Angels Wear White Shoes”. Too cool. For those who might get it—yes, I had permission granted by my son to have it published—just in case you’re wondering. It’s part of series of books on the different aspects of prayer. Good stuff.

So, all this to say, there are plenty of good reasons Parkinson’s Journey has been silent. We are coming back, however. Meanwhile, check out the comments on the Haloperidol article—it’s worth your time and just might save a life—yours.

Until the next post, which will hopefully be tomorrow, I’ll leave you with these thoughts from this morning’s message at church…

If you truly wish to be free, you must forgive. Forgive everyone who has hurt you. Forgive yourself. Let go of the garbage that keeps you bound to bitterness. Let go, forgive and move on.

It’s not so easy to do, but so worth it once it’s been done. It also happens to be what my book is about and yes, to all those who keep asking so diligently, it’s almost ready to send off. My next project… to finish the book I’ve just about got done on the fears of Parkinson’s disease. It ended up taking a whole different path than I expected. A good path.

I hope this update finds you traveling your journey well. Leave a comment and let me know how you’re doing, what’s new and/or anything you want to share with your other PD friends. To those who have offered encouragement, support and hope during this time, a big hug and a bigger thank you to you all. Your kind words have been taken to heart and made a difference.



Tagged As: depression, encouragement, family, hope, parkinson's disease, PD, pd meds, pj update, support, yopd, young onset parkinson's disease