It happened again, we lost a friend from our support group. I grieve for our loss and my heart goes out to his wife, one of the most compassionate and caring Partners I have met. I hate these goodbyes because they remind us of the inevitability of the diagnosis. At the same time, had it not been for my husband’s Parkinson’s Disease we would never have had the chance to know this wonderful couple and share in their journey. I am so grateful for that opportunity.

We first met this gentleman at a movement and speech class. He was a constant in the group working to overcome an already soft voice. He and his wife joined us in other support group activities sharing meals and workshops. She brought much grace as his Caring Partner and often showed me ways I could be more patient and kind through her example. It was this wonderful woman who introduced me to the concept of the tiny cuts we experienced every day watching our husband’s disease progress.

When we first started attending PD support groups my expectation was to learn more about what was ahead for us. I was hesitant at first not sure I really wanted to know our future. I now understand that it is not our future that I found but our present. Fellow travelers on this journey who were able to share their stories of meeting the challenges we all faced. These folks actually understood us more than our family ever could. Yes, it’s difficult to say goodbye, but without the loss we wouldn’t have memories of the good times we shared together. And they will always be a part of every group gathering even if it is just in my heart.