My husband has always had the best attitude about his diagnosis. His focus is on what he can do rather than what he can’t. This “can do” attitude inspires me to do better and creates a positive environment that surrounds us. He is not under the delusion that doctors will find a miraculous cure for PD, but rather that he can still live a good life in spite of his illness.

There are things I did before that I can’t do anymore thanks to this diagnosis. I could sit at home and feel trapped or I can find new ways to engage. As his symptoms progress, we are less out in the world and so I reach out through the internet, connecting with others through webinars and support groups. Social media makes it possible to stay in touch with friends and family. We both read the local paper and watch the local news channel to stay informed about happenings in our community. We make a point to go for walks in our neighborhood and do a weekly grocery run or perhaps have a meal. I know that my in-person encounters are down but still try to maintain some social connections with others.

This shared diagnosis has helped us rethink some of our previous activities. We are spending more time together and it is often not what we expected. I never dreamed we would be working out together, but that has been a healthy change for both of us. I am, on occasion, taking on the role of personal helper. He also continues to help me with minor household chores. Our love isn’t diminished by the challenges we face, instead it is strengthened as we work together to figure out where this path is leading us. Our world isn’t smaller, it’s just become laser focused on those things that matter most.