PD is a tough challenge and yet my husband wakes every morning with a smile and faces it again. I know it is especially difficult when we go out in public and people relate to him differently thanks to his tremoring hands and stiff demeanor. His smile can come out as a grimace and his voice seems strained, it is hard for me to understand times, no wonder it is difficult for others who don’t know and love him.

It is also challenging for me as I see what is happening and am not sure how to respond. When we are out together and something happens, do I act or ignore it and hope he figures it out on his own to avoid potential embarrassment? I am not bothered by these things that happen, but how can I make sure they don’t bother him either?

We are learning new techniques for interacting in public to minimize the challenges. As I mentioned before, his tremor and the facial masking that comes with PD can make him appear unapproachable. I always defer to him and/or speak with him regardless of what the others around me are doing. It is not unusual for a store clerk, wait staff, even medical staff who should know better, to talk to me instead of to him with the expectation that I will speak for him. I try to show him the respect he is due by deflecting the conversation back to be inclusive of him.

His Parkinson’s Disease is not an easy diagnosis for either of us. I will strive to be as strong and resilient as my husband with the understanding that we can beat the challenges it brings at home and in public places. We won’t let this disease stop us from stepping out and enjoying our lives to the fullest each and every day.