Having lived in the suburbs of Chicago for the last 32 years made me realize I really do not like winter and the snow anymore. The near-accidents I had driving in the snow, having to shovel my long driveway and a dog path in the backyard for my dogs, dirty salty car in my grimy salty garage, and the frigid temperature just make living with Parkinson's disease in the winter months so much more difficult. Having to deal with the challenge of putting on my coat is enough for me to want to move to somewhere much warmer. As much as I dislike winter now, I have to say I do like the 4 seasons. With each spring, I cannot deny that the anticipation of the next season represents renewal and hope for something better. The first sight of tulip peeking from the ground in my backyard brings much delight and excitement for spring. Winter makes me appreciate all the beautiful days in spring, summer and autumn where I can hear birds chirping, enjoy the sunny days with clear blue sky and NO SNOW!! However, every one knows that when you live in Chicago, the weather is as unpredictable as when the Cubs will win the next World Series:) Just like today: the day started with temperature in the 50s and now, the forecast is calling for a winter snow watch from 9pm to 9am tomorrow. Just when I thought spring is coming and staying, Mother Nature says......not so fast.
The seasonal changes reminds me of what living with PD is like. The unpredictability of the seasons reminds me of the unpredictability of living with PD. You can be having a great day with few challenges but then out of nowhere, your day starts going south for no apparent reason. It can be so frustrating because I can never predict how my day is going to be like which makes planning for special events/tasks seem so pointless. On the flip side, just as the changes of the spring season brings about the anticipation of hope and renewal in life, we can all choose to see hope for a cure, and renewal of the body/mind in the midst of living with PD. The main and central key component in learning to live with PD is exercise. Exercising and keeping active is an important part of healthy living for everyone but it is especially critical for people with Parkinson's as it helps with balance, mobility, flexibility, strength and motor coordination. It has also been stated that exercise can slow the progression of the disease. So, why not renew your body and mind with exercise? Exercise daily to slow down your progression with the hope that a cure for PD will be in our near future. Wait and expect your next change of the seasons in your life will be one of hope where people with Parkinson's will no longer have to be succumbed to the cruelty of living with a chronic, incurable and progressive disease. While I wait for this cure, I will never give up the good fight, live every day to the fullest by doing what I love most and making a difference in the lives of the people around me, and choosing to love all people for who they are.
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| Summer Fun |
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| Fallen leaves=approaching winter |
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| My favorite season......NOT |
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| Spring delight |
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| Never giving up tennis, no matter what. (Below: My friends who have played tennis with me for the last 20 years.) These ladies have no mercy and still makes me run for the ball. LOL |
