Family came over yesterday. We’ve started doing monthly get-togethers, simple dinners and visits to stay connected. It’s a manageable group of about a dozen if everyone shows up, which is seldom. We usually have around 6 or 7 adults and 2-3 kids. This time it was our son and his wife with our grandkids and my stepson, just enough to fit around our dining room table. We meet on a Sunday evening for a couple of hours so as not to wear anyone out. There are no expectations or obligations. People come when they can and leave if they need to, it seems to be working for now.

I originally started these get-togethers because, even though we all live within driving distance, everyone has such busy lives we were only seeing each other on major holidays. As our world started to shrink thanks to Parkinson’s Disease, I felt it was especially important that our family be a part of our journey. These get-togethers are a way to escape the PD world and be part of something bigger as we see our kids and their kids moving out into the world. It’s fun to hear about their adventures and to share in their lives in whatever capacity we can. Those who can’t make it call or text to let us know why they can’t come which keeps all of us connected.

Our get-togethers start at 4 with dinner around 5-ish which fits with my husband’s meds schedule. We usually meet at our house so he is in familiar territory and can rest if he needs to. I try to plan meals that are easy to eat and not too messy so we don’t have a lot of cleanup afterwards. I remember that my husband may need assistance and try to help in a respectful and open way so that everyone can be cognizant of challenges we are facing and overcoming together. Finally, I work to make sure that my husband is included in the fun because Parkinson’s may have slowed him down but he is still here. And he is still a great guy to be around, I want to make sure they all get a chance to know that.