Today is the Fourth of July. There are community celebrations taking place all around us including firework displays. I remember the days when we would go together to see the show or simply out to enjoy the day, that just doesn’t happen anymore. It might be our ages, but I think it is more that Parkinson’s Disease doesn’t recognize holidays, the demands and limitations it places on my husband are the same regardless.

He still needs to take his meds on time and he will want to exercise today since that is the most important component of his treatment plan. He’ll need to rest mid-afternoon as usual. Our daily schedule is pretty structured and when we vary too much it can take days to get back on track. Added to that is the fact that I know what he needs from me when we are at home. Going out to new or different locations takes planning, can be unpredictable and adds to my burden. Celebrating holidays can be very stressful for me as a CarePartner if I let it.

In our house I will try to keep things low-key. We have been talking about the fourth for days and know that it will be noisy and disruptive tonight. We will hunker down and hope for the best. If we want a fireworks show we will watch one on our tv. Not as noisy, no traffic, no crowds and we can be comfortable while it is happening. I wish friends and family a Happy Fourth through social media and encourage them to celebrate as they choose while they can. We choose to have a quiet one.