I belong to a couple of Parkinson’s support groups and value the information and the connections they provide. Before we found them, I often felt isolated and even lost in the challenges we faced. Even more, we have discovered new friends who have been brought together by this diagnosis. These are people who truly understand the journey and who can accept and relate to our stories.

There is the monthly group that started it all, introducing us to so many wonderful people. I remember crying after our first meeting. There is the breakfast group that started with two couples and grew to become about twenty people meeting monthly. Partners and PWPs getting together to share food and talk about life including their struggles and victories. The smaller things that came from these, the holiday parties, happy hour get-togethers, the quiet walks with just a few of us, I appreciate it all so much.

I would never say that I am thankful that my husband has Parkinson’s, it is a dreadful illness. However, I do have to recognize that thanks to his diagnosis, we have meant so many amazing people. Our lives have become fuller and richer because of the opportunities being a part of this community brings. We are truly no longer alone.