When my husband was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he asked me if I wanted to leave because “you didn’t sign up for this”. I was quick to remind him that I made vows for better or for worse and I definitely was along for the whole ride. Then I asked him, “what would you do if it were me?” In that moment I think we both remembered the strength of the commitments we had made to each other.

Whichever one of us has difficulties, the other is always here for them. That has held true through challenges we faced when we were still working as well as challenges now that we are retired and spend most of our time together at home. Did we expect Parkinson’s Disease to become a part of our relationship? No, but we are a partnership and partners support each other. I know that if I were the one with PD, he would be doing all that he could to help me, how can I not do the same for him?