The only problem is when the stories all become dark and dismal so no one gets anything from the encounter. It’s easy for me to see the dark side of Parkinson’s and sometimes I get hung up thinking about what we’ve lost or what we’re missing out on because of my husband’s diagnosis. I forget the good this journey has given not the least of which is a wonderful group of friends to travel alongside us.

Finding a Parkinson’s Disease support group was like coming home. Suddenly to be in a room surrounded by 20 other people facing similar challenges was eye opening. We didn’t have to face this alone. Now that I am part of the local PD network, it is my responsibility to pass that same support and comfort on to others. I need to be able to listen with empathy, compassion and acceptance. At the same time, if I can bring some levity or positivity to the situation things are even better.

No one needs to hear all my stories of how difficult caring for my husband can be or how much I miss what our lives should have been. What is more beneficial are conversations about how we’re making things work no matter what. How I overcome the challenges and what I am learning or the mistakes I make along the way so we can laugh together. Most of all they need to hear that I’m able to find light on even the darkest of days, because that’s what keeps me going no matter what.