Today I took my mom to her Parkinson’s exercise class. For about half the time they did some exercising, then the other half they went into another room and had a discussion about how the class has been helping them. During that time, I talked with the other 3 caregivers who were there. We talked about different problems that we face and that those we care for face. It is interesting that the disease is different for each person, yet very much alike at the same time. For example, my mom has struggled with back issues for years. I have learned that back pain can be a symptom of Parkinson’s and as I talked with the group of people I found that every one of their loved ones has chronic back pain. One woman even had exactly the same medical issues as my mom. We talked about different ways we have tried to alleviate the pain – some work for some people sometimes and not so much for other people or even the same people at another time. It was good to have the discussion and I came away with a couple of other options that we may be able to try. After the class, my mom said how much she enjoyed her meeting. As people talked about their struggles and issues, she realized that she is not alone in hers. She said sometimes she felt that she was the only one having a certain experience. What I thought was beautiful was that one woman said her family cares for her so much that they tell her when she is doing something she doesn’t realize, such as holding her mouth open. Instead of complaining about being “nagged”, she was grateful. Both my mom and I came away a little more hopeful.

I Found God today as my mom and I became more aware that she is not alone in her disease.