A LETTER

A LETTER FOR MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY
(author unknown)

I have Parkinson's disease. It is not contagious or hereditary. No one knows what causes it, but some of the dopamine cells in the brain begin to die at an accelerated rate. Everyone slowly loses some dopamine cells as the grow older. If the cells suddenly begin to die at a faster rate, Parkinson's disease develops. It is a slowly progressive disease usually occurring as people get older. Medicine can help. I'll take newer, stronger kinds over the years. Some make me sick and take lots of adjustments. Stick with me. I have good days and bad days.

Emotions: Sometimes I cry and appear to be upset and you think you have done something to hurt my feelings. Probably not. It is the Parkinson's Keep talking to me. Ignore the tears. I'll be ok in a few minutes.

Tremors: You are expecting me to shake. Maybe I do, maybe I don't. Medicine today takes care of the tremors. If my hands, feet, or head are shaky, ignore it. I'll sit on my hands or put them in my pockets. Treat me as you always have. What's a little shakiness between friends.

My face: You think you don't entertain me anymore because I'm not grinning or laughing. If I appear to stare at you, or have a wooden expression, that's the Parkinson's I hear you. I have the same intelligence, it just isn't easy to show facial expressions. If swallowing, I may drool. This bothers me, so I will mop it up.

Stiffness: We are ready to go somewhere and I get up. I can hardly move. Maybe my medicine is wearing off. The stiffness or rigidity is part of Parkinson's Let me take my time, keep talking.

Exercise: I need to walk each day. Two to three miles is good. Walk with me. Company makes walking fun. It may be a slow walk, but I'll get there. Remind me if I slump or stoop. I don't always know I'm doing this. My stretching, bending, exercises must be done everyday. Help me with them if you can.

My voice: As my deeper tones disappear, you'll notice my voice is getting higher and wispy. That's the Parkinson's I know you can talk louder, faster and finish my sentences for me. I don't care for that. Let me talk, get my thoughts together and speak for myself. I'm still there. My mind's okay. Since I'm slower in movement, my thoughts are slower too. I want to be part of the conversation. Let me speak.

Sleeplessness: I may complain that I can't sleep. If I wander around in them middle of the night, that's Parkinson's It has nothing to do with what I ate or how early I went to bed. I may nap during the day. Let me sleep when I can. I can't always control when I'm tired or feel like sleeping. Be patient, my friends. I need you. I'm the same person, I've just slowed down. It's not easy to talk about Parkinson's, but I'll try if you really want to know. I need my friends and family. I want to continue to be part of life. Please remain by my side.

Love my girls

I love my girls so much... well my baby is turning 8 this friday on november 5. they are growing up so fast. i miss them being little but yet am so happy to see how responsible young ladys they are turning out to be. Brianna made the all county chorus this year we are so very proud of her. she has also decided to be in the band she is playing the sax she is pretty good . i love my dad he is such an inspiration to me he will be turning 70 on nov 23 . which scares me. its a long story. but anyways i love all of my family from cousins, aunts, uncles, to my inlaws

my girls are growing up to fast....seems like only yesturday brianna was just born now she is a little lady ..and danielle she will be 8 yrs old soon yikes what will i do ???? Oh btw brianna is starting to get interested in wearing make up ... not alot all she wants to wear is eye liner and nail polish so i guess its ok this is about the age i started wearing make up ....... well i still love em

DBS

Most know that i have now completed deep brain stimulation surgery for parkinsons. Let me just start by sayin i cannot remember feeling this way ever.....it truly is my miracle. My hair is starting to grow back out slowly but surely. I still wear a head scarg THANKS AMY.... I would recommend this surgery to anyone with parkinsons who is debating on this subject. I have learned that most ppl arent even mentaly ready for this. I realized that all i had to do was hand it over to GOD he's in control anyways why not put my faith and trust in him i mean IF HE COULD DIE ON A OLE RUGGED CROSS FOR MY SINS HE COULD PULL ME THROUGH THIS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the past 2 yrs have been very difficuilt for me aand to have this relief is so amazing .

the last stage of dbs

so 1 week from today i will go for the last stage of dbs i am so excited anxious for all this to be finished the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter IM LOVIN WATCHIN THIS MIRACLE UNFOLD BEFORE ME THANK YOU LORD FOR YOU ARE GOOD......

well it has almost been a month since i had my first surgery. i cant believe how much of a change it has made already. without even being programmed yet it has made such a difference in my life. today i played ball with the girls until brianna threw the ball at my head ( by acccident) i ducked and said enough of this lol . i have got all my stiches out from both surgeries i go for the last surgery july 7th where they will be putting the right lead in and hooking it up. then a couple weeks from that stitches out and programmed the light at the end of this dark tunnell is getting so much brighter with each passing dday ....THE LORD HAS BEEN SO GOOOD ......

DBS

people have been asking if i am scared or nervous about this surgery. they must think im crazy because i say no i am at peace and excited. and then they refer to the whole drilling in my brain , i just say i know who is in control of the situation and that whatever GOD has planned for me no matter what it will be a success because it is his will and i accept whatever he is going to give me. HE HAS BLESSED ME BEYOND MY IMAGINATION COULD EVER DREAM OF. WHY DOUBT HIM NOW. I HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR.




LOVE IN CHRIST
WENDY