My husband has a philosophy, a way of dealing with his diagnosis that inspires me. He always looks at what he can still do rather than looking at what PD has taken from him. I struggle to remain so positive, but his constant presence helps. He knows there are things we have both lost and instead chooses to focus on what we have.

Coming from that approach, I am so thankful for the many things he is still able to do for himself. I am thankful that he is open to trying new things and also that he is able to ask for help when he needs it. I am thankful for his medical team who have helped us navigate this disease for the past decade. I am especially thankful for treatments such as Deep Brain Stimulation that have helped us reset some of his most challenging symptoms. I am thankful for his exercise team, especially the fact that I have been able to tag along, because I am more fit now than I have been in many years. And, I am very thankful for all the people who have come into our lives because of the support groups we attend. They are friends I hope to have for life.

I struggle sometimes when I think about the things we would be doing differently had PD not come into our lives. I understand that I must allow myself time to grieve those losses, but one look at my husband always makes me feel better. He is still here and we are still fighting this illness together. For that I am truly and wholeheartedly thankful.