I participate in the Insight study being done by the Michael J. Fox Foundation and they asked me to take a survey “exploring life satisfaction in people with and without Parkinson’s Disease.” It is an interesting request because, even though I am not the one with the disease, I am not able to give them a true picture of someone without PD. My husband’s diagnosis definitely impacts my life and my answers.

The questions they asked were pretty basic in their attempt to see how satisfied I am. One question that really struck home asked if I was leading my “ideal” life and if not, would I make changes. No, there is no way I am leading my ideal life and yes, I would definitely make changes. Parkinson’s Disease would have been cured years ago and we would not be living with the ramifications of it daily.

At the same time, they asked about my personal situation, finances, health, friendships, even my sex life. They wanted to know if I was satisfied with my partner. As I pondered these questions I realized that I actually am pretty satisfied with the life we have created in spite of the challenges. We have a roof over our heads, we have food and the tools to prepare it, we have the support we need from our community, we have love. I can be a Parkinson’s CarePartner and still find satisfaction in my life as long as I remember to focus on those things that really matter.

If you would like more information about the Fox Insight study and how you might participate visit Fox Insight.