 |
 |
GINA, you could always come here "paradise" is allot warmer. And the beach is closer ( what's the beach) haven't seen it in weeks. life in paradise... take care Lisa -----Original Message----- From: Gina Cass <[log in to unmask]> To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]> Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 4:12 AM Subject: SORTA - but not all PD related it's your choice to read or not. >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 >