We bought our house 20 years ago when we were both younger and before my husband was diagnosed with PD. Buying an older house that would need minor maintenance didn’t seem to be an issue then, we could handle most things ourselves. Fast forward twenty years and those little maintenance tasks seem momentous as my husband may not be able to help and I easily get overwhelmed.

Much of what we used to do is now being hired out but it is very difficult for me to stand back and let someone else tinker with my house. A great example came just this past week when we needed to touch up some paint on the front of the house. I asked my neighbor if she knew of anyone who did odd jobs and she volunteered herself and her husband. I agreed to hire them and we were set to go. They did a beautiful job but it was agonizing for me to stay inside and leave them alone. I wanted to be on a ladder with them helping get it done. They did a much more thorough job than I could have and it was the smartest choice even if it was not the most comfortable.

I am learning to accept my limitations, whether they are age related or not, and to recognize that even though I can do certain things, it doesn’t mean I am good at them. I also need to remember that time spent on those tasks takes me away from the more important job of being here for my husband. I am realizing that I should look for help and let those who have the skills take on those jobs. That is a better choice for me, better for my husband and better for our house.