I had always been extremely healthy. This PD diagnosis was a bolt out of the blue - although I knew something was wrong - why was I falling and why was I afraid of stairs? When I broke my left arm and the tremor started I was pretty sure it was PD - I'm a registered nurse, recently retired. Besides my nursing career, I'm a poet. I've written a novel which I'm editing. I maintain a large garden, enjoy my eleven grandchildren, six children and their spouses, have a dear old husband. My biggest challenge right now is transportation - should I drive or should I not?

 

Momsiedome      (photo by Mark Harvey)

Once I had forever
I was strong and brave
A caretaker of others
Now I'm finding out
How life looks from
The other side.   
 
   *   *   *

Last year (2007)
I went where I pleased in my red car.
I went to Davis with Jim. 
We were there on the green
When Liz and Tyler wed.
The future teemed with possibilities.
After all I was only 68 and felt great -
Except for falling sometimes,
And being afraid of going downstairs,
And the tremor in my left hand,
And the thoughts in the back of my mind.


This year (2008)
I saw Izzy enter the world. (thank you Creator God)
And Paige enter SDSU.
I watched the sunset over Mission Bay.
I celebrated turning 69 at a garden party & at a pool party. 
I rode in a white stretch limosene
I watched a mermaid surf and drank coffee in a mirage.
I camped by the ocean,
And strolled down the boardwalk.
My children and grandchildren and husband and friends
Take my hand when the going gets rough.
I am loved.