I do exactly the same. Eventually they learn. Then comes the next one. Nita

Parkinson's Disease Foundation wrote:

> I've had the same experience when traveling with PD patients.  Clerks,
> waitresses, etc. all direct their questions at me rather than the patient.
> I simply say, "Ask him!" (or her) and they do!  It's the only way they'll
> learn.
>
> Jeanne Lee-Rosner
> PDF-Chicago
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: joan carol urquhart <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, February 04, 2000 11:32 PM
> Subject: Re: children of PWP: support groups for...?
>
> > Terri
> > Your words are kind!...Your mother sounds like a wonderful person.
> > She is lucky to have you and your family to support her.
> > Your son is learning to value his grandmother because of how you value
> her.
> >
> > Isn't it frustrating to watch how our society treats senior pwps?
> > When my mother and I go shopping,
> > if she asks a sales clerk (or a bank teller or a waitress, etc.) a
> question,
> > they will respond to her question by speaking to me,
> > although she is standing right beside them.
> > Do they think she's deaf or dumb?
> > In response, I have begun to step back and turn away
> > so that they are forced to address her respectfully.
> > Sigh.
> >
> > People (even family) are often afraid of what they don't understand.
> > But I am sure that there are alot of us 'adult children of pd parents' out
> > there
> > who could become great pd advocates, if we set our minds and hearts to it.
> >
> > Anyway, its great to have you on this list...so hang in there!
> >
> > One day at a time,
> > Joan U
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > From: Terri Teeling
> > Date: Friday, February 04, 2000
> >
> >
> > >Joan
> > >I write this through tears in response to your note ...
> > >
> > >I wish my children could know their grandmother as the woman she was b4
> > this
> > >horrible thing has overtaken her... My 15 year old mentioned that she
> must
> > >have been SOME WOMAN (after a particularly funny comment by her)before
> she
> > >got so bad ... I reminded him that SHE IS some woman for being able to
> > handle
> > >her disease with the attitude that has gotten her this far ...
> > >
> > >She is quickly going downhill after battling it for so long ... Its so
> hard
> > >...
> > >
> > >Terri
> > >
> >