Another friend from our Parkinson’s network passed away this week. I am sad for the loss but grateful for having known him and his lovely wife. And, if I know anything about them at all I know that they would not want us to grieve, but to use this as a reminder to live each day as fully as we possibly can. As my husband says, we are all going to die one day whether we have PD or not. Let’s not waste time worrying about what is coming and instead use our time enjoying what we are given today.

Possibly the only positive thing about our journey with Parkinson’s has been finding a community of new friends in this same situation. Reaching out for support gave us the opportunity to engage with an entirely unique group of people we never would have met otherwise. PD doesn’t discriminate by race, gender, ethnicity or political leanings, it’s an equal opportunity affliction. It’s a natural version of diversity in action.

I have spoken before about how grieving is a basic component of my CarePartner journey. Perhaps it’s because I see little losses every day that are moving my husband closer to the inevitable. Or perhaps it’s fear of the unknown, if I do outlive him, what will life look like after? I am reminded that focusing on what may come takes me away from appreciating what I have now. I can hear the many friends we have lost and their CarePartners telling me “Live life in the now. The end always comes too soon.”