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Camilla, Sherry, Hilary, Nita, Teresa

Thank you all for responding.  It is so helpful to get advise from those
that know what both me and my brother are going through at this time in
our lives.

I have had mixed feeling about telling Sherman the truth about PD.  I
don't know why, because I have my own chronic, untreatable, fatal cancer
to live with, (fatal - live with, its being done). I want to know
everything and belong to a list such as this one. I think I know more
about my cancer than my doctor does.

I will make a notebook for Sherman with copies of email from this list,
printouts of articles about PD.  Do the same for him as I do for myself.

My sister and I have talked about guardianship.  I called to find out
the particulars, and have decided we, nor he, is ready for that step.
(He is still where he belongs). I do have a Power of Attorney document
for him to sign. I have been hesitant to ask him.  But I do believe it
is time for me to start treating him like an adult.

He is in a facility that is clean and well run.  All the patients that
are up and around seems to be as comfortable and content as they can be
given their illness. He could not find a better place, just different.
My sister visits two to three times a week, she is nearby.  I live a
distance away, but go out every week.  We have niece that also visits
when she can.

He is very passive. He listens to what we say, but because of his PD, he
has very little facial expression anymore.  But, every time any of the
employees or patients see Sherman, they get a smile on their face and
say something nice to him or about him.  The "little old ladies" just
get a twitter when they see him! They flirt with him and he just smiles
his little smile.  Its strange, because Sherman can barely speak.  Also,
He attends all of the functions that are presented.

I imagine all of us have said over and over again that we don't want to
be a burden for our children.  However, it seems that whenever one of us
reach the stage where we need to be cared for, we have forgotten that
pledge to ourselves.  Maybe it is because old age comes so quickly.

Thanks again guys, I, like everyone else, is grateful for this list.
Most of all I am thankful for the people on the list, willing to share
their lives with others.

Chris
PWP-brother Sherman, 73/8