Is there anything in the world as comforting as the gentle touch of a friend or loved one? I was thinking about this the other day when I ran into a fellow CarePartner and immediately gave her a hug. It felt so good to simply connect physically with another human being. That physical connection validates who I am, reminds me that no matter what flaws I may think I have, someone else still cares for me. It justifies my existence.

I touch my husband a lot in my role of caregiver. I hope those touches are gentle, but they do not replace the contact we share that doesn’t involve his personal care. Helping him dress is not the same as holding him close while we dance. I don’t want to mistake those necessary care touches with loving touches. We both need the hand holding, the hugs, the kisses, those moments that say I remember who you are and I love you for it.

Parkinson’s is an isolating disease for both the person with the diagnosis and the people who love and care for them. I need to stay connected with my husband even more than the outside world. I miss those spontaneous hugs or kisses that happened just because. I know he has to work hard just to maintain each day so I am taking it upon myself to be the aggressor, if you would. I can be the one to reach for his hand, catch him in a hug, drop unexpected kisses because I know he would if he had the energy. And he always hugs back so I know we both get comfort in knowing we are still here and still loved.