At 17 Branches, we noticed a wonderful new campaign from the Michael J Fox Foundation called “Dear Parkinson’s”. They asked people with Parkinson’s to write a letter to their condition. We asked some of our followers to do the same. The responses were heartwarming and enlightening. Below is one from a brave woman who is allowing us to publish hers. This is a good exercise to perform as part of your journey. If you want to share yours, please contact us.
Dear Parkinson’s,
I detest you!! You’ve been in my life for 22 ½ years now and for 12 of them you chose not to show your ugly side. I was the most independent woman I knew – I owned my own company travelled for work and for pleasure and loved every minute of my life. Now, I am unable to drive and am dependent on others for many things. It’s not a great feeling.
On the other hand, I need to say thank you for many things.
- I never would be boxing now if it were not for you…boxing is my happy place.
- Because people with PD come from all walks of life, I never would have met the phenomenal people from my support groups, my boxing class, and other PD activities
- Thank you for bringing Sheryl and Duane into my life – two selfless people with incredible vision.
- Thank you to my husband who has chosen to support me through all of the ups and downs of this disease and still thinks I am beautiful and a wonderful person. Everyone needs someone like him in their lives. He’s been there through the good, the bad, and the ugly with me.
- Thank you for the best friends a person could have. You find out who your real friends are when you are going through something like Parkinson’s!
I have always been a positive person. I live by the motto, “You only go around once so you might as well make it good”. And I live to be the best version of me that I can be!
Love the letter and also love the person who wrote. Stay well and be happy. You are a wonderful friend .