Dear Lisa:  Sure pull up a concrete spot next to me.  I don't smoke (quit 5
years ago), but I have some Caffeine Free Diet Coke in my cooler, help
yourself.  There's bottled water (better late then never), Snapple, and some
assorted Juices.  I didn't dress to up or to down.  Don't want to  appear
destitute (although the thought crossed my mind), but really want to give the
appearance of some thought processes going on.  I can't wear dark colors, darn
this PD crud in my hair.  It peels out not in tiny little flakes but big
pieces. So, If you could Lisa remind me now and then to brush my shoulders
off.  Oh good, you brought a heavier coat.  It isn't cold now but it does get
cold.  We can't stand next to that building, cops said.  To many respectable
people come out during breaks, they don't want us bothering them.  So, I do
want I'm told.  But, they come over here sometimes to get to their cars.  They
even drop money in the cup.  Sometimes, they ask me things like what's the
money for.  RX bills, dentist bills, doctor bills, canes, certain foods, cabs,
gas money for friends (see I can't drive anymore) and I thank you for your
contribution to the health and welfare of me.
So, I just stand here, oh I have a little folding stool that I use.  I have
one for you to Lisa.  It is really nice to have someone here with me.  It gets
so lonely.  About 3:00 AM I pick up my things and go back to my room.  Oh
wait, there's Buddy.  Here he comes, isn't he great.  (There stands a dog.  I
think its a dog, tail wagging, tongue lapping at Gina's face as she hands him
a scrap.)  He comes here every night, feels like my protector.  Lays down and
walks me home at 3:00 AM.  I call him Buddy, cause we all need a buddy.  Here,
have a sandwich.  A Peanut Butter and Jelly they don't need to much
refrigeration, and pretty darn good.  Here Buddy, he gets one also.  He earns
his keep.  I have this darn PD and my family just can't handle it.  No
insurance, not enough money for everything, and the government doesn't really
care so I come down here.  I spend time reading until the lights give out.
Eyesight is so messed up from meds (when I can afford them) so I don't see too
well.  The meds are so expensive and keep changing.  Can't the meds if I don't
see a doctor, but I can't afford the doctor so sometimes no meds.  Say, isn't
that like "Catch 22"?
I do remember some money that was to be given for research Lisa of Parkinson's
Disease.  But people tried and tried to get them (politicians) to release the
funds from the "Udall Bill" I think.  But they kept promising and saying they
would and didn't.  The money just stayed where it was.  No one ever benefited
from it.  You know Lisa if that money had been given over, they (scientists,
doctors) might have found a cure and you and I wouldn't be on this curb on
this windy night.  Wait, I'll light the sterno can to keep us a little warm.
Oh did you see that, we were talking and that couple dropped a $5.00 in the
cup.  I am going to give you half of everything you know.  It's just nice to
have the company.  It's so hard for "normies" to understand and be with us.  I
guess some may believe they can catch PD, some just can't handle the movements
we make or don't make.  Freaks them out so to speak.  Here, have some hot
chocolate, cookies, little cheese, pie.  I get this stuff free because I line
up and don't have much.  I did have a family though.  A good family that loved
me, but just couldn't continue with the PD.   Now, Buddy stays with me and I
talk to him, stroke his fur, he even lets me give him a bath now and again.
You really have to go Lisa.  Yeah, I see that car, oh you have a family.
That's nice.  Anytime come see us.  Buddy and I will be here.  Hey, I wonder
what ever happened  to the "Udall Bill" money?  Any ideas? Read anything about
it?  OK, just thought I'd ask and you did get your half didn't you?  Bye Lisa.
Take care.  I hope your teeth get better and you find a dentist with a heart
to work with you.  To bad they are not listed in the phone book.
TTFN
Gina
Lisa, I'll be the one on the corner will all Teddy Bears in a cart of two
maybe more.
Thanks