For years I worked as a Social Worker and I often had to advocate for my patients and their families in various circumstances. When people find themselves needing significant health support and hospitalisation, they can feel that they have very little choice. It has always been important in my eyes to advocate for the choicesContinue reading “Be your own best advocate…”
Author Archives: kiwipommysue
‘Dad’s turn to learn’ – A child’s journey through their father’s stroke…
As with all of us, life is not wholly and solely about Parkinson’s. I have been working on a project dear to my heart from working for many years supporting patients and their families following a stroke. My colleagues and I have tried to find books that talk about Mum or Dad having a strokeContinue reading “‘Dad’s turn to learn’ – A child’s journey through their father’s stroke…”
Being the me I want to be…
I have had a wonderful day today, doing things that fill my cup and rejuvenate me. This morning I went to a Parkinson’s exercise group which I have been going to now for maybe three weeks. Then home for a quick sandwich and a change of clothes and then loaded the bowling kit in theContinue reading “Being the me I want to be…”
I’m loving my new life…
Just waiting for dinner to cook and I suddenly thought to myself, “I love my new life!” It just popped into my head randomly. My new life of course is my now retired life and I am finding being retired very positive. There are lots of things I like about it, but one thing thatContinue reading “I’m loving my new life…”
The mysteries of memory…
Working with a compromised brain is always going to be a challenge and one that changes how we think and process information. Even tasks that might have required very little thought and effort may have at least facets of them which we may need assistance with. An example of this is my hobby of makingContinue reading “The mysteries of memory…”
Decisions, decisions…
Today was our 14th Wedding Anniversary and my husband and I had a lovely day together. We have been looking at planning a few trips over the next few years. Starting with a trip to Queenstown in October. Hoping to go to Rarotonga next year and then perhaps to UK in 2026. The problem withContinue reading “Decisions, decisions…”
How are you doing?
For those of us that have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, I hope that for the most part we are supported by our GP’s, our specialists and other health professionals we are involved with. We need to have our medications reviewed from time to time and ensure that as we progress we have all that weContinue reading “How are you doing?”
Love and loss
Love is a beautiful, wonderful thing. But often with love there is ultimately loss. Whether it is a pet, a sibling, another family member, or a good friend. If you take the risk of loving someone you ultimately have to face the fact that you may lose them. We are all facing the loss ofContinue reading “Love and loss”
Our self-image vs ‘the rest’
I have been spending a lot more time with some of the elders in our little clan in recent times. This couple have been together for most of their lives and one of the few couples I know who aren’t on the second, or – as is my case – third time round in marriage.Continue reading “Our self-image vs ‘the rest’”
Youth vs Age and wisdom?
I was fortunate to have my three grand daughters to stay the night this weekend. Two of them are teenagers and still finding their identities and yet – it seems – feel ready to make decisions about their future lives. One of them reminds me so much of her Mum at the same age andContinue reading “Youth vs Age and wisdom?”
My journey with Parkinsons 