While it is impossible to predict what changes we may face in the coming years, it would be foolish to assume that life will stay the same, especially since I live with someone who has a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. The symptoms of PD are unpredictable and progressive, even with the most current treatments, things are eventually going to get worse. Add to that any personal changes I face in the next 20 years, even normal aging, and I can see that this time together will be interesting.

Our personal challenges are going to change. My husband’s most prevalent symptoms are tremors, stiffness and slow responses. His muscles are not communicating well with his brain. I, on the other hand, seem to be okay physically but will I be strong enough to provide the support he may need as things progress? And, what happens if my mild forgetfulness that we joke about now isn’t just stress and develops into something more serious? How will we cope then?

We will struggle at times and we will learn to cope with whatever life throws in our way because we know change is coming. We don’t always know what form it will take, but we know that it will happen and we talk about the possibilities now. We have had the difficult conversations and have made long-term plans for care. After caring together for our mothers, we know what it can look like and are open to what we may need to do. The most important thing we have though, is our love. If we use that love and respect as a roadmap, this journey may be difficult but it will never defeat us.