Yep, you read that correctly… I am thankful I got Parkinson’s disease. Now, I know that the title of this post can be confusing but before you chuck your laptop, or mobile phone across the room, hear me out. When times get tough, I must find something good that came out of my challenges. Like my blog post “Not Why me?… but, try me”. This means shifting your negative thoughts, to something more positive.
As we roll into Thanksgiving, we find ourselves looking back on the last year of our lives and finding the things that we are grateful for. Can you think of anything that you’re thankful for being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? This isn’t a trick question. This is a challenge I present to you. In the spirit of giving, I will go first… Why I’m thankful I have Parkinson’s?
The people that I have met
I think of all the friends I’ve made, that would have never been a part of my journey if I didn’t have Parkinson’s. From local friends, whom I see frequently, to my friends from far away, whom I wish I could have more time with… shout out to the Canary Islands. Without these friendships, my life would be incredibly boring and lonely.
Lunch Dates
Sorry folks. There is not a magical coupon that will get you a free Burger. But put that diagnosis to work for you. At the clinic, when I want to go to lunch, but nobody is available, I very gently remind them that I have a degenerative neurological disorder and my good days are numbered. I continue explaining to them that they should take advantage of the time to go to lunch, because I may never be that well ever again. Does it work? You better believe it! Who can resist my RBF?
Strengthened my Family
Parkinson’s has forced me to cherish the good moments, fight through the bad, and seek wins, where I can find them. Since being diagnosed in 2010, my Wolfpack has grown and my relationships with my family have strengthened. It’s kind of like when you realize that life is changing and will not be the same, you hold on to those you love.
As you sit down for that turkey dinner with family this week, just take a minute to think of something that you’re thankful for. This is the time when it is ok to just slow down and enjoy the moment. Yes, mom, I’m talking to you. Every dish doesn’t have to be perfect, take some time to delegate. Except don’t trust me with anything that needs more prep than throwing it in the microwave… I know my limitations.
I guess that what I am trying to say, is that Parkinson’s sucks. I don’t wish it on anyone. Each day that goes by, PD tightens its grip, but if we can find reasons to be thankful, we stay ahead of its devastation. You hold all the power.
I am wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and symptom-free Thanksgiving.
Allison first of I love your outlook on life and love your blog I been fighting PD since 2007. I am thankful to PD since it forced my to retire I have had more time with my family. I believe PD helped me get my priorities straight as a smart person once said no one on their death bed wishes they would have worked harder at work. Thanks again for your blog and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and all of our fellow warriors
That’s exactly right, Jeffrey! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 🦃
Wonderful feeling reading all these . You know that you are not alone.
I was diagnosed 2 years ago, have very mild symtoms and, to tell the truth, I am still a bit in denyal.
But reading your blog is so precious. It is like belonging to some community.
Thanks a million!
Hello Tomila,
I’m happy you have enjoyed my blog! Let me officially welcome you to the Parkinson’s community! There’s ways to connect with other Parkies, you’re not alone.
I am Thankful I have Parkinson’s, also, ha. I have been quoted saying, “Parkinson’s set me free”! Devoted to working, doing everything for everybody and running myself ragged…I said I’m done…I’m taking a break…I’m going to enjoy life!
I still do plenty and try my best to please but I’m doing what pleases me now and that makes me happy. My family and friends seem to make a special effort to push me to get out, they keep me busy. One special friend always reminds me, when I’m moving slow, how she would rather move slow, also.
I don’t like it at all, but reading this reminded me of how Thankful I am, today!
Hello Cathy,
Families are always great to push us Parkies even more than we thought we could go. We might get frustrated at the moment, but we know it all comes from a loving place. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank for filling dark days with your bright and beautiful light…being blessed with Parkinsons gives me more insight into the suffering of others …it humbles me…Happy To you and yours..
Thank you, Linda! I am happy to hear that my post brought you some happiness. Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful my PD symptoms remain mild amd thankful for the fleeting moments my wife Annie recognizes me as her Alzheimers advances into stage seven.
Hello Steve,
That is something to be extremely grateful for. Wishing you and Annie a Happy Thanskgiving!
Yes, I am thankful for Parkinson’s! I have always been a very self-sufficient person. One who “doesn’t need God’s help”. When God allowed Parkinson’s to take over my life, I needed help. I could no longer do it on my own. He tells me “ When you are weak, I am strong. Trust me!” It’s so freeing to live like that. Happy Thanksgiving, fellow Parkies. Your comments always lift me up. And you, Allison, are the best!
Hello Gail,
I loved your response. Makes you realize we just a Parkie that needs so help every once in a while. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I turned 60 years old today, and what a nice present it was to find this gift in my email! I am so lucky that today I get to be inspired by brave people like you and your whole wolfpack.
I appreciate your blog very much, but don’t always stop and let you know about the impact you’re making. So please allow me to correct that oversight. Thank you!
Have a great Thanksgiving–
Mark
Hello Mark,
You’ve made my day with your comment! Sometimes you don’t know if people are enjoying what you’re putting out there. Thank you for reminding me that my work is helping others! Happy Thanksgiving!
Allison, your courage, strength and unselfish commitment to helping and supporting the community in which we find ourselves are worthy of emulation by everyone. You directly speak to the purpose of the gift of life we have been all been given. You have found that life’s purpose and regardless of circumstances you will always have peace and God’s love smiling upon you.
I am thankful for PD for several reasons, to include being with wonderful people I would otherwise never have met. I also have not missed the opportunities to serve and encourage people who are looking for hope. My time with PD has ushered in a great empathy and understanding as I interface with people dealing with challenges. As you have demonstrated for years, it is indeed a high calling to extend a helping hand even if it is with a little tremor. You have shared so much of yourself to help and to invariably demonstrate that no matter what the challenges we are all in this together and we will continue to push forward. Thank you Ally. You have enhanced this ole Cowboy’s life so much that I can truthfully say I am sure thankful for you. You go girl!
Hello Wayne,
It warms my heart to read your comment today! I am happy that you can find many things to be thankful for and furthermore have gained empathy for others going through challenges. Thank you for sharing! Happy Thanksgiving, ole Cowboy!
I couldn’t agree more! Parkinson’s has always been one of my worst nightmares…. But since I was diagnosed it has enriched my life in so many ways. Learned so much about myself, have grown so much, and learned so much about the people around me. A you said, life is about cherishing the moment, and not waiting for another day…and you, using the PD card when it will work!! Lol
Happy thanksgiving!
Hello Jackie,
Thanks for sharing! Happy Thanksgiving!
I LOVE your positive attitude.
Thank you, Connie! Happy Thaksgiving!
You are my Perky ,you perk me up and make me realize it could be worse,,so thank you and perk on
Hi James,
The Perk will continue! Thank you for reading and Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks, Perky for reminding us to see the positive aspects of PD. A big plus for me is that I found your blog 🙂
Hello John,
Sometimes it’s difficult to stay positive… it’s nice to have a reminder! Happy Thanksgiving.
Without a doubt it’s the people I’ve met. Also, my because of my balance issues my golf buddies let me move the ball away from awkward stances. That I right there is worth at least five strokes per round!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Fred
Way to look for the silver lining Fred! Happy Thanksgiving!
Your blog made me smile & cry. I’m going to have my son’s brother read this because I’m convinced he’s clueless as to what his 39 year old brother endures.
Thank you and I’m personally grateful for you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Hi Cindy,
I hope my blog can give him some insight into a Parkie’s world. Thanks for sharing!
Allison I am thankful for my Parkinson’s. It’s made my wife and I closer. It slowed me down to move into retirement which I probably would have just kept on working. This is the morning of my third DBS operation. All in all it’s been an inspiration to others to get a DBS system and has gotten many people to move through their personal journey saying “ If he can do all that with a smile on his face I can get through my challenges. To help others… that’s why I’m thankful
Hello Robert,
Thank you for sharing! Congrats on retirement and DBS! You’re starting a new chapter in your life and with a smile on your face. Happy Thanksgiving! to you and your wife.
DOES DBS WORK ON RELIEVE THE STIFFNESS OF THE NECK ?
I HAVE DIAGNOSED WITH PD SINCE 2014. NUT LATELY, FEEL UNBALANCED AND MORE STIFF,
Hello Jean,
DBS works well for tremors. I have not heard about it for stiffness of the neck. Although I know when my DBS is turned off for a while, I get very rigid all over until they turn them back on. So it helps my dystonia.
pro-positivity. we can all believe the glass is Half Full – thanks for this,
Roger
Hello Roger,
Go get that half-full glass! Happy Thanksgiving!
Good reminder after another not so fantastic night and early morning. I can quietly enjoy the moon reflecting on the lake this morning and give thanks for the village. My village is full of friends, family and professionals, people who always have my back and it keeps growing. They all care and yes “ Parkinson’s sucks” but it’s good to know every day that somebody cares. I’m so thankful for each of them on my journey because without Parkinson’s many of them would still be strangers .
Hello Roberta,
I love you use the term “village”… that explains us so much! Thank you for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
The children call more often, they finally realise that I am a real person, not just Mum !
I can’t do housework or anything heavy, hurrah, .my husband has taken it all on, bless him, he does a great job, just not as regularly as I would like.
Hi Penny,
It’s awesome that you have such a supportive husband! Hope your family has a Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Allison!
You too! Benji!
You are always a brilliant light in a dark journey
Thank you Boker! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
What a long winded way to say you’re thankful for me. I’m thankful to Parkinson’s for allowing me to run and cycle in races. Consequently I’ve traveled all over doing it. Had I not had Parkinson’s, I’d never had done it? Done did it? You know what I mean. Have a happy turkey day.
Hi John,
Makes you think, eh? Happy Thanksgiving 🍁