I worked for several years assisting families in finding the resources they needed and it gave me such a feeling of accomplishment when things would come together for them. Now, when it is me facing tough times, I find it difficult to ask others for the support that I was so happy to give. I need to remember that while helping others is rewarding, so is letting others help us. And, it is so true that often just talking about a challenging situation can help you figure out a way through. Shared burdens (and challenges) are definitely less difficult to manage.

My husband has always been my best friend and the one I turned to first when I was having a tough day. Now, when the difficult things I face are related to his disease, I don’t want to go there. I don’t feel that it is okay to add to his already full plate of PD challenges. How can I tell him that I am frustrated today because he is moving so slow when I know he is doing the best he can?

So, instead, I have learned to branch out and find new best friends. It is essential that I have people in my life who understand the challenges I face because of his diagnosis. I have found a fellowship of CarePartners through our PD support groups. I can call or drop them a note, or sometimes, just knowing they are there is enough. I also have a group of people who knew us before the PD symptoms progressed. I can reach out to them for help as they watch our journey with love and encouragement.

I remember that we all have our challenges to face, we all struggle from time to time. If I can be here for my friends when they need someone, then they will be there for me and we can all keep moving forward. We can have a never-ending cycle of caring so we all feel supported and loved at the times when life is most challenging.