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Dear Russell - The message your friend writes is very similiar to one written by a friend of mine a couple of years ago titled 'Dear Friend' It has appeared from time to time on various BB's. Jerry Finch, the author of the letter aspires to be a successful writer and has written many other articles dealing with various aspects of life including an as yet unpublished novel dealing with AIDS. Jerry, himself, is a relatively young Parkinsonian coping as best he can with PD. Here is his version: Dear Friend, You haven't been by to see me in quite some time. I wondered about what happened, if I said something that offended you, so I started asking around. Word finally got back that you were uncomfortable around me because of the Parkinson's thing. That's why, instead of calling, I thought I might write you a note. Maybe I can explain a little better to you about the way I feel. The last time you came over, I was having a lot of physical problems. Parkinson's is like that; good for two days, bad for three. Before you come, call. I'll tell you honestly if I'm up or down. That way you know what to expect. But don't avoid me. Inside, I am still the same person I always was. I can still beat you at chess, still out talk you over religion and politics. I can still laugh at all your jokes, still feel sad when we talk about some of our lost friends. I'm still me. Don't be afraid to talk about the things you see. My hands shake, my walk is unsteady. I know that. It isn't a secret. I'll tell you about what I'm going through, about the medications and stuff. You need to know so you will feel comfortable when you see something happen. Parkinson's isn't contagious, it isn't even life-threating. Chances are, I'll live just as long as you, although I'm trying for one day longer, just to prove the point. Just because I've accepted having Parkinson's doesn't mean that I've accepted defeat. I'm still fighting. But the fighting would be so much easier if you were around. Why? Because we used to talk about everything and I miss that. We used to laugh at stupid stuff and I miss that. We used to punch one another in the arm, work on our cars together, tell lies, talk about kids - and I miss all of that. We used to get sad together, remembering the things in the past. We made a vow never to talk about those things outside of our friendship and I need to talk about them with you. I'm still the same. Nothing inside has changed, only the outside. That's why you don't need to feel uncomfortable around me. We've traveled too many miles together to let something like Parkinson's come between us. So I'm asking you - call me. Come visit. Let's talk about today, tomorrow, ten years from now, because the future will be so much richer if you're around, and so much poorer without you. I might have Parkinson's, but you snore, so I'd say we're about even. I've missed you. As always, I'll be here for you, waiting for you to call. ************ Jerry Finch --