We were having coffee with another couple from our Parkinson’s support network when the husband turned to us and asked what we do for fun these days. I was stymied. What do we do for fun? I think I joked about going out for coffee with friends and the conversation continued but the question stayed with me as we made our way home afterwards. Do we do anything just for fun anymore?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that we do have fun, but we don’t plan specific activities to create it. As my husband’s illness has limited what we can do, we are redefining what having fun means. We may not be going on cruises or flying to exotic locations, but we are still finding pleasure in our daily lives. We enjoy each other’s company and find happiness regardless of the challenges we face. We laugh at, and more importantly, with each other over the absurdity of this disease.  

Thankfully we have mementos of past adventures and travel that we can still revisit when we want. Yes they were fun, but they were also exhausting. It’s pleasant to remember those times but they are not the memories that will keep me warm or bring me comfort after  my husband’s journey with PD ends. It will be those fun times we spent laughing together in our back yard or the cuddles we shared before getting out of bed on cold mornings that will sustain me. The next time this question comes up, I’ll know exactly what to say. We find ways to make everyday life fun, that’s what makes it worth living.