In the process of caring for my husband, I can lose sight of the positive aspects of our daily lives. So many of the things we do have become routine, I can forget what keeps us together in the first place. Dealing with the demands of our current situation can be daunting, however, if I just stop and take a moment to find gratitude for the opportunity to still be with this amazing man, my load lightens. If only I could share those thoughts my message to him would be:

“Thank you for allowing me to come along on this journey, no matter how difficult it becomes for both of us. Thank you for always doing your best to take care of yourself and to continue fighting this diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Thank you for your patience with me when I have run out of patience for either of us. Thank you for trying to understand and accept the challenges I face as I try to help you with the challenges you face. Thank you for loving me even when you may not like me very much because I am too bossy or too grumpy. No one can predict where life is going to take us, I am so grateful that I am getting to share mine with you.”

My husband did not choose this diagnosis, but he did choose to ask me to share it with him. I am honored that he lets me be here and that he accepts me as his Partner. I will try to walk in gratitude for the opportunity rather than frustration that it has happened to us. It’s a tough road, but we can travel it together accepting whatever comes in this uncertain future.