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Hello My plwp family, I had a visit from my mother today. My mother and dad are really special people and I love them dearly. My Mama and I had a really good visit. I had taken my laundry over to my parents yesterday. I came home before I finished all of my laundry. Just like a loving and caring mother would do, Mama finished my laundry and brought it by my place today. I asked her not to do it; but she did it anyway. Besides God and plwp, my parents are my caregivers. One small sentence that my Mama spoke to me today had such a powerful effect on me. Mama spoke, "Sandra I want to apologize for not getting over to visit you anymore than I have since you have moved into Conover." Of course I just looked at her with such love and told her "It's okay Mama." We had ourselves a good Mama and daughter visit. She could tell by looking at me that I was dealing with some pain. She did not harp or fret. We just held hands. When she left today I made my way toward the washroom for my third hot bath today. After running my tub with the hottest water that I could stand, I lowered myself into the tub. I still had not realized how much my Mama's one sentence had effected me. When the warmth from the water began to ease and lift some of the pain, it was as if God had reached down Himself and took me into his arms and gently tried to soothe my hurts and pain. I began to cry. Then I began to weep. You see; my Mama and Daddy are in their retirement years. It is now in my life as their child that our roles should be reversing. I should be taking care of Mama and Daddy. I have a brother that has had Muscular Dystrophy since birth. He is still able to work full time and does not use a wheelchair. He also has a recycling business as a second job. My parents have been caregivers for as long as me and my brother have lived. When will it be "their time"? For over twenty years now my parents have taken each pd step with me. Before a diagnosis came they dressed me and bathed me and fed me. Knowing Daddy's little girl was a woman now, I remember Mom and Dad holding me on the commode because the pd tremor was bilaterally severe enough that I had a risk of falling and hurting myself. Daddy would simply shut his eyes and turn his head so I could have the dignity of some privacy. Sometimes he would not get his head turned quickly enough to avoid my seeing the tears that he would shed over my suffering. As I sit here so moved to tears by the memories of their undying, ongoing, unselfish love and care, I want to scream! WHEN WILL IT BE MAMA AND DADDY'S TURN!!!!!WHEN WILL IT BE OUR CAREGIVERS' TURN? Will I ever have the chance to show them my undying graditude. Will they ever be able to have the peace of mind of knowing that their baby girl will be okay? when next month comes around will they still have to ask if I need help with my medicines. When will it be their turn? My plwp family....since thursday of this week you know several of us have been working on letters to send to our State's Representatives. I did not do this for myself. When I was in the bathtub tonight weeping, I was crying out to God asking Him to open all the ears and eyes on Capitol Hill. I will be sending faxes and making phone calls on both Monday and Tuesday inundating my Senators and their staff members with MY LOUD VOICE... I will not be doing this for myself. I do this to honor my parents and all plwps and caregivers worldwide. Without God and You my day would be impossible to live. I choose to live this life. I mad as hell...and I am not gonna take it anymore!!! Much love and hope, Sandy Sandy Norris 40/28/20 check my new site.. www.plwp.org/sandys_parkie_porch.htm "Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see."