There are things that my husband can’t do anymore that I am still able to do. I think of the big things like driving, but there are smaller changes that can make his everyday more difficult. PD has impacted his sense of smell and taste, his handwriting, his speech, his balance. He likes to focus on the things he can still do, but sometimes I think about his challenges to remind myself to appreciate what I have. It sounds a bit selfish, doesn’t it?

Thank goodness I can still drive, otherwise we would be dependent on public transport or the goodness of others. And, regarding my sense of taste, I am the primary cook at our house, without the ability to know what tastes good, who knows what I would try to feed us? The fact that I am steadier on my feet allows me to help him when he isn’t, but it also allows me to do certain tasks which help keep us in our home.

Beyond the things that I can do for us, I am still able to do many things for myself. I recognize that aging and illness may impact my abilities and that I need to be grateful each and every day for the experiences I have. I am still able to work in my garden, walk my dog, write. I watched my parents, and now my husband, adjust to the losses and keep on going. I hope I can move forward with as much grace and acceptance as age starts to take its toll on me.