I sometimes think that Parkinson’s Disease is a jokester because while it is slowing my husband down, it has sped my life up tremendously at times to make sure everything is done. That is why it is essential for me to stop, take a deep breath and be fully present whenever I can. Granted I may find myself fully present and knee deep in laundry or in the middle of cutting the lawns, but wherever and whatever I am doing, I need to know that it is okay.

While I may not always be able to see what is happening, my husband does. He recognizes the extra effort I am putting out and encourages me to slow down or to let things go. I was working on a project out front yesterday and had just finished when my husband asked if I would like to join him on the patio. He had brushed off our garden swing and put out the cushions. It was amazing to sit there together and enjoy the first sunny day in a long time.

I know the work I do is important and keeps our home life going, but at the same time I need to make sure that I am engaged as part of that home life. It is easy to become a housekeeper, cook and caregiver, I don’t want that. I want to be a CarePartner, aware and loving in all I do to support my husband as we move forward together on this journey.