It had never occurred to me that joining our local Parkinson’s support groups would give me as much benefit, if not more, than my husband. Being around people who have PD and those who love and care for them has given me a totally new perspective on our journey. The Parkinson’s community is so much bigger than we thought when my husband was first diagnosed and, while everyone has a different story, I find so many similarities with my fellow CarePartners.

Through the PD support group I found other people who knew what I was talking about when I spoke about earthquakes in bed in the middle of the night thanks to his tremors. They got it when I talked about good versus bad days and the frustrations of medications and meal schedules that didn’t always work. They too worried about the potential for cognitive changes and wondered how to deal with what was coming. This was a safe place where I could share my stories and be understood by others who were also seeing changes in their loved ones. As we compared notes, I realized I had found a home.

I have since branched out to help form a breakfast group and coordinate local education opportunities for CarePartners. Socializing together promotes a stronger of community as we open up about the challenges we face each day and find ways to share a laugh. Life is too short (with or without PD) and no one should ever face it alone. Support is available for all of us, reach out and find it today.