This is a Podcast about facing the likely future of having to go into residential care. I had a sudden epiphany of how it must have felt for those I talked to and advised that it was time for them to leave their homes. An innocent conversation with my husband pulled me up short and I realised how hard it would be when the time comes for me.
I have a confession to make – Podcast – Episode 13
Published by kiwipommysue
I am a retired Social Worker having retired in May 2024. I had been a Social Worker for over 20 years and for the sake of my health and wellbeing I chose to retire early. I have some literary projects underway and am enjoying the freedom of no longer working. Working on my projects at my own pace and enjoying my new hobby of lawn bowls is a wonderful thing. No regrets and a new kind of busy in retirement is wonderful. View more posts
My journey with Parkinsons 
You brought tears to my eyes. That was probably not your intention but Cheryl made the hard decision to not drive about 6 years ago. We made the residential care decision about this time last year. She died on April 22nd of this year. All of those were hard decisions but they were for the best. Thank you for helping me down memory lane this morning. Paul.
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Hi Paul. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but I’m sure the love and care you showed for Cheryl was very important to her. I am sure Cheryl was very loved by you and to have you by her side at the end of her life would have made every difference too. I am glad if – in some small way – I helped you both as you travelled this path. May your future be sustained by the love you shared that no-one can take away from you. Wishing you all the best for the future and may that future be sustained by happy memories you made together. Sending hugs. Sue
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You did make a difference. These words which you wrote several years ago really spoke to me – Acts of service, or perhaps my interpretation of it, is saying ‘I love you’ without saying it in words. While it is still lovely to hear those words the ‘Acts of Service’ are also powerful. They can be simple things like coming back into the bedroom after doing my morning exercises to find that – even half asleep – he has turned over and put the heat pump on to warm the room up for me. It is having him prepare dinner – even if it is just heating up some soup – when I need to sit down because of my current injury. It is putting the jug on and making a cup of tea for me while I shower. So many ways that we might do things for each other that might be seen just as a task to be done, but that if considered can be seen as that important ‘I love you’ without words.
Next time someone does something for you, no matter how small, consider that they are not just carrying out a task, but doing so from the heart and showing that they care. As we move through the years on this Parkies journey, those Acts of Service may become more significant and those that we as people directly affected by this condition can do may seem less significant. However, if they are done with love, no matter whether large or small therein lies their significance.
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Thank you for your kind words. Will you continue to follow me and/or others or is this no longer relevant to you. Whatever you choose, I hope that you are cared for and supported.. Sue
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That is a tricky question. On some days I need to be away from PD. On other days I need to find out how everyone is doing. I and a couple friends continue the support group that Cheryl started before her disease took her mind away with dementia. And I am writing and rewriting a book about our journey with Parkinson. Even though I want to withdraw from sickness and despair, I find that I am drawn towards helping if I can. — so, to answer your question, I find you and many others, relevant to achieving a positive outlook even though the “weather is dreary and the view through the windscreen is gray and streaky” — Have a great day on your side of the globe!
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Hi. I have just completed a blog ‘What happens next?’ which was inspired by you! I hope you like it.
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