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Emma. . . thank you for your uplifting response (in addition to those of George, Stephanie and Jacob)!! I would like to add yet another perspective. It is unfortunate that Pope John Paul's comments referring to this PD affliction "as a gift from God" might be construed as doing a disservice. As the leader of the the Catholics in the world, the Pope has responded in accordance with the beliefs of the Catholic faith. We believe that for all its suffering and ambiguity, life is worthwhile and has a purpose. In fact, although the reasons for it may be mysterious, suffering can be salvific. Keeping in mind that pain and suffering in themselves are not good, we are encouraged to follow the example of Jesus and do all in our power to relieve it in ourselves and in others. But when it becomes clear that the suffering is unavoidable, then the suffering can be made salvific by uniting it with Jesus' sufferings. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago when announcing he has terminal cancer of the liver remarked, "I consider this as God's special gift to me at this moment of my life." I don't believe that Pope John Paul's comment minimizes the severity of the problem. Because of his high visibility and his writings reminding us that we must give of ourselves to those who need us most - with genuine compassion, understanding and support - I cannot think of anyone who can make more of an impact on the lives of those who suffer with PD. In his encyclical, "The Gospel of Life," he states, "Respect for life requires that science and technology should always be at the service of man and his integral development. Society as a whole must respect, defend and promote the dignity of every human person, at every moment and in every condition of that person's life." May God always keep all of you in His care!!