Happy 3rd Anniversary…

I have just realised today that I missed two Anniversary’s this month. The first of which is the Anniversary of my diagnosis of Parkinson’s on 15/12/20. The second a happier Anniversary on 21/12/20 when we moved into our beautiful home in Kaiapoi.

As I write this I am at home and in recovery mode from my knee operation on 29/11/23. My husband is off walking and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air and beautiful scenery on one of the many walks he has discovered around the Kaiapoi/Waimakariri area. Walking has been something we have always enjoyed doing together and I miss being with him, but hopefully once I have progressed with my rehab and have become stronger I will to be able to join him.

What have I learned in this past year of living with Parkinson’s?

• That the best thing I did for myself and my future is marrying my husband. Without his love, care and support I would not be able to get through all the health challenges I face on a daily basis.
• That daily I am thankful that we moved to a home that is more suited to reduced mobility. Having this operation has given me the chance to test drive our home environment and it has passed with flying colours!
• That I seem to still be managing well with my condition and it does not seem to be having a hugely negative impact on my life as yet.
• That although I have been told I am a ‘slow burner’ that there are small signs of progression. Some break through tremors on my left hand when previously the meds stopped this altogether.
• That my health is in my hands and it is up to me to give myself the best opportunity to live well with Parkies.
• That it’s OK to have others look after me at times when I need it, after years of being the giver I am trying to adjust to being a receiver of support.
• That this Blog continues to give me a platform to express my thoughts and feelings in a safe way.
• That the feedback I receive on my Blog is hugely important to me and illustrates that my experiences that I share can make a positive difference in other’s lives too.
• That it’s OK to say I can’t do things this Christmas and not feel guilty about doing so.
• That I am still valued.

I continue to be someone who wants to do things for other people even while I am recovering from my operation. I started crocheting knee rugs for one of the local residential care facilities as something to do while I am not so mobile. Some have been picked up and they were very well received. I shall continue to make them even after my recovery period. It is a small way I can contribute to my community. 

As 2023 draws to a close and Christmas approaches, I look forward to 2024 and getting back to walking with my husband, riding my e-bike and returning to driving. I even miss work, but know that it will be a while till I am fit and able enough to return.

To all you Parkies folk out there, both those with the condition and those that support them, I wish you all a happy Christmas and a New Year. May you be surrounded by those who love you and support you.