My husband got a new tool for his box this week, a walker. I have been suggesting to him that it might make things easier for him in his struggles with mobility and balance, but he has been reluctant to take this step. We met with his boxing coach for a one-on-one this past week and she had him try a couple out. He tried an upright walker and a standard and got to feel the difference they could make for him. I think that the opportunity to see how it felt, alongside her expert advice, was the determining factor for him since less than a week later he agreed to buy one.

After looking at local options, we brought home a standard walker yesterday. Now it sits in our living room, a constant reminder that this is a progressive disease and he is progressing. After being so excited about the possibility of going out for walks again, the reality has hit me like a ton of bricks. I need to let go of my fear and positively accept this change by focusing on all the things we will be able to do again. There are some who would say my feelings are petty since I am not the one needing the walker. I would remind you that I am the one in love with the one needing the walker and it impacts me too.

He needs to use his legs more and this new walker will allow him to do that. Actually, we both need to get out more and so utilizing the walker will be healthier for us both. His coach stressed that in order to improve his stability and stamina, he needs to practice, and this is the way for him to get there. I need to remember that in this long-term battle with PD we must utilize every tool available to us. This may not be where we want to be, but it is where we are. This is not as a sign of things to come, but instead is a tool we can use to hold them off a bit longer. We can fight this battle together as long as we keep hold of our positive attitudes.