I have a friend who has PD. It makes him shake constantly. I feel he has it worse than me. His bravery is plain to see. I feel a fraud without such shakes. Ashamed of any fuss I make. His body suffers seismic quakes. I admire him for all he takes. My friend is young…
One of the most renowned and outstanding pieces of art was recently within touching distance from where I was stood. On the perimeter, a high, red-bricked wall and some black wrought iron gates. We, being my other-half and our friend, passed through the gates to be met by a beautiful public garden. This tranquil gem…
“Only those who attempt the absurd, can achieve the impossible.” – Albert Einstein. Today, I received something very pleasing, through the post. It was a certificate. I now have a Diploma in Creative Writing! I am delighted. My joy comes not just from achieving something that was always on my bucket-list and which opens up…
I was thinking, today, about the extra financial costs that come from being a person with a disability. I had received a small catalogue of helpful mobility items and useful gadgets that help with tasks that were once so simple. For example, battery powered jar openers, tin openers and bottle openers as well as gadgets…
I arrived with a good twenty minutes to spare. It had started to rain, as I drove into the tiny double-level car park. I found a little bit of chaos going on. The car park was full, with no sign warning drivers that there were no available spaces. Cars were still driving in. Some drivers…
It’s 1am and I am sitting at my desk in quiet contemplation. In a little under ten hours, I will be the focus of attention for a number of Junior Doctors who are in training. I have been invited in to my local Doctor’s surgery, which is also a training school for part of the…
In the Parkinson’s community that is Parkinson’s Road; a Facebook based global support group that I write for and co-facilitate, the subject of communication between people with Parkinson’s and those close to them, arises frequently. This is an incredibly important and complex subject and this post is just another brief aspect of a far bigger…
Today is a day with some considerable meaning, for me. It was exactly one year ago, today, that I met with my Neurologist and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. On that day I felt a mixture of relief at finally getting the clarity of a conclusive diagnosis after a twenty year search for answers, versus…
“Depart from discretion, when it interferes with duty.” – Hannah More. One of the aspects of being a person with Parkinson’s, that others may not consider, is just how difficult it is to tell others that you have Parkinson’s; particularly those closest to you. For some, the decision to disclose the diagnosis can be an…
Meeting people that you know online, in-person for the first time, can be quite daunting. Many people will be used to this scenario either through work or through online dating. Last weekend, I was excited to be going out to a special event. As my regular readers will know, I am one of a…