Today is my 5-year anniversary of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I wonder what Parkinson’s will give me to celebrate 5 years of having a committed relationship with it? Whoa… to think back to all the memorable moments that we have spent together… Priceless. I felt that the best way to celebrate our courtship was to write it a letter. So here goes…
Dear Parkinson’s,
Today we celebrate our 5th anniversary together. Even though we made it official on this day 5 years ago, I knew that you were apart of my life years before. I remember when I first noticed you. There you were, in my left pinky cramping up after the gym everyday. I played hard to get and pretended like you never existed. But don’t think for one minute that I didn’t see you when I couldn’t swing my left arm anymore. Oh man! You really got me on that one. Remember when I blamed sleeping on my arm? Heh, Heh! Then I found out it was you the whole time!
I almost went crazy when I started to trip over you. Dragging my left leg was a gift I never saw coming. It was then that I stopped playing coy and acknowledged you. Oh how we fought like cats and dogs, but somehow you never left me. Right when I thought I might have found a way to quit you, there you were at my door with a new goodie.
Then we made it officially on March 18th 2010, when the Neurologist said that we would be together forever and ever! My heart melted. Now don’t get me wrong, I know that we have our disagreements. Like when I want to go exercise and you just tell me I should sit on the couch and eat Hostess Cupcakes… the cream filling gets me every time. Or when I have a billion things to get done during the day, but you just keep slowing me down. Phfft.
By the way, I love the mask you gave me this year. The way it makes my eyes look like I just won the lottery. But I think that I will save that for Mardi Gras or maybe even Halloween. Oh and don’t forget one of our most memorable moments! When I laughed so hard I peed my pants… literally! Bwahahah! Wow! So many glorious times that we have shared, it’s hard to remember them all.
Well my dear, it has been a roller coaster ride with you. But I have a feeling you have strapped me in for the long haul. So maybe in the future you could go for the traditional gifts of wood or silverware?
Yours truly,
Perky Parkie~*
Very nicely written. I’m glad I found your blog. Is there anything you’d like for an anniversary present?
Unlimited amounts of frozen yogurt?
I just adore you, your insane sense of humor, your wicked wit, and complete lack of caring what anyone thinks! I love it, keep up the good fight pretty girl-your new friend–xoxo shake and bake
Beautiful sentiments. Might I suggest a punching bag that you could vent your frustrations on? That would help me. Love you!
Just “celebrated” my 14th. Love reading your blog.
Ah the first five years. I remember them well. Unfortunately I do not have the gift of words you do my Perkie Parkie. You described them beautifully. Except I would have to throw in a lot of nausea and sick to my stomach, kind of like when my wife was pregnant. Oh, I would also have to ad short term memory loss…Let’s see where was I…oh well. Congrats on five years and my you have many, many more five year anniversaries. You definitely strike a note of joy and humor in a less than humorous situation. Thank you. I hope we can meet in Portland in 2016.
Hugs n Love
Tommy
I will for sure be there in Portland! Thank you for your comment!
I recall some of the things other’s have written and tried to offer advice like you’ve done for me. I’m reminded of a commercial on tv about an assistive device to help unsteady people ride upstairs. They say the best advice to prevent falls is don’t fall. That always struck me as a defeatist ad especially to those Parkies who vowed not to give up or give in.
When it comes to falls I ‘m not sure what would be the best advice-maybe you can help. I suggest trying to stretch, get use to exercises where you find yourself off balance-yet learn to be comfortable enough not to be frightened should you find yourself in one–and be able to fall so as to not injure yourself–like by knocking your teeth out in the bathroom. humor and laughing at yourself is fine to keep me trying and not become afraid to go out daily yet i’m aware some are more at risk than I’ve been and face greater dangers being more disabled. I just want anyone reading this to recognize there are limits they may face that may be greater than mine. BUT I want them to know too that a friend like you’ve been gave me the young attitude that others said we should strive for with Parkinson’s and long winded as I am you’ve stood by my questions, DBS surgery jokes, actual surgery and inspire me and others to never give up, or in to Parkinson’s and maybe more important—you got me to challenge PD to it’s limits and maybe a bit more to where it’s Parkinson’s turn oto step back and notice what a difference it makes when a friend helps inspire me to get Perkie with ATTITUDE! How’s that feel for your Anniversary ? Perkie and Proud, Perkie and Loud– You will Boldly go for another 5 years. Kevin Kalchthaler
Whoever said Depression and Parkinson’s went together is wrong. Depression may be caused by chemical imbalance , improper perspective or other causes i’m ignorant of. I prefer to ignore those and remember that Parkinson’s is a journey we don’t take alone–and I think of the song lean on me when i’m low. Then I think Cheech & Chong==UP in Smoke-that’s where my troubles go.
Great story Allison. Although your choice of partners leaves a little to be desired. But, thinking about it, you weren’t really given a choice were you. Continue on. Love.
Stupid auto correct. I wrote Parkie friend….
Happy 5th. Almost 10 for us. Blessings to you. Stay Perky my Parkinson friend
Alison, you really do have an amazing way with words. I find myself laughing even though you are talking about the lousy side affects and symptoms we all endure. That’ s quite a talent. You’re the best!! Keep up on the great job you do with these blogs!
Thanks Shar-bear!