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Hi Just read Camilla's response re: messages to family and friends and how they recognize/deny the problems of PD. I write a "newsletter" each year to our friends/family who don't live nearby, but frequently visit or call......others who just want to stay in touch. Among the first three questions is always "how is Rita doing?" So after the updates on how to purchase a mattress in Prague, and driving instructions for a son in Germany.......etc......I concluded the letter with the following this year: "Parkinson's takes a little bigger slice of our pie each year. Some adjustments are easier than others. Although travel provides a break in the routine, we will shop for a lightweight wheel chair before our next trip. (I want a sporty red model with mag wheels, a bit of a compromise with Don re: the wheels he would rather purchase.) Sewing occupies some of my good hours at home. Drugs help, but require constant adjustment. Medication, exercise, diet and counseling help to make life rewarding. Don's plans are beginning to include time to "help Rita" each week. Progress is being made in neurological research, but each day takes me one day farther away from "normal". My first hour of each day is spent training for the slowest 100 meter shuffle. The impact of chronic degenerative disease on a family is much greater than we imagined. We are aware of not only my gradual loss of movement but more importantly the loss of our freedom to plan. Plans for today and tomorrow include the three of us: Don, Rita and Drugs...and the drugs have the deciding vote always. Adjusting and coping are the operative verbs. We are actively involved with support groups. With help and support from others we will continue to find the strength to make our decisions and to enjoy the future. We have laughed, loved and shared with others both in our home and trvels. Some days we do wonder "what next?" But, overall the years have been kind to us. We look forward to enjoying many more....even if we are growing old!" The magic of these comments is that several people who read the letter have already asked "How is Don doing?" The realization finally dawned on his three sisters that we are both touched by PD. Rita "