one good thing

A few months ago, I joined an on-line support group for people with Parkinson's. There's about 5,000 members from around the world but as the language is English, I'd say the majority of members are from the UK and North America. Each day, there are at least a few dozen posts ranging from "good morning" wishes, to ruminations on pain and symptoms, queries about medications, and discussion starters. There always seems to be someone contributing the joke-of-the-day, the craft-of-the-day or the inspirational-poster-of-the-day. There's the ever-present optimist and the omni-present pessimist. The faces aren't always the same as most come and go as time and interest permits. I'm like this as well. I appreciate the administrators of this site for the work they do to keep it moving along on a steady course despite none of us with PD are what one might call particularly steady!

At any rate, recently another one of the members from Canada posted a comment that caught my eye. He asked for people to share "one positive thing that came from having PD in your life". This struck me as a different take on living with PD and one that presented a chance for reflection. But it also struck me that the results of such reflection had benefits not only to those with PD but to those in the much broader world who don't have PD (or other serious health concerns at present). It gives such persons a window in the world in which those of us with PD, and our families around us, live.

I am sensitive to the fact that some people who have contributed to the on-line discussion in the support group may not wish to share their comments outside that group. In an effort to address this,and still reap the benefits I've described above, here's a sampling of the responses received (names removed and content edited to protect anonymity) to give you a sense of what people had to say. I have endeavoured to leave nothing in the submissions that could identify individuals outside the group. I thank those who contributed and hope that you may find it interesting.

like this label?

UK - it gave me more time to spend with my family....I sure do appreciate the time I have with my wife and 2 boys.

SK - I would have said the same thing as UK but as the kids have aged and had lives more independent, that's changed. i'd probably say though that a general "slowing down" of what was once a hectic paced life is probably a good thing. 

BW - I'm learning to use my non dominant hand more and have surprised myself in how well I can do things with it.

OW - Positive breeds positive.

DD - BW brings up a great point. In a way, he's talking about evolving. What once worked doesn't anymore. We're adapting. That's a great thing. We're some of the strongest people I know.  We continue to grow, evolve, and adapt. That's an awful lot to be proud of!

KS - my spouse and I both realize that every moment is precious.

CK - I have more free time

SF - Patience!

IK - PD took my ego and put it in the backseat. Humility, a sense of calm and a deeper spiritual path. I am without armor now and my heart is open.

CM - I have found that there are many people in my life who willingly offer to drive me to doctors, the store, etc. I have discovered that my friends love,me and will go the "extra" for me. It was very humbling and gratifying to learn that.

ET - I've learned that I am truly a positive person. If I wasn't, I would not be able to handle this.

TC - PD helped me learn to relax and put myself first, the "to-do list" second... I've also (re-)learned that complete strangers will offer help as needed.

KL - PD gave me intense spirituality

EA - PD has made me a better person,I found strength that I never knew I had and it taught me lessons in humility and how to be a warrior for hope and strength of character.

KP - I have become very creative. I need to have some creative project going all the time.

NR - Friends!!

EK - It's changed my life for the good in many ways. I'm closer to my friends and family. I've found my soulmate, discovered many new interests and had the time to use my creativity. Most of all it's made me realise how precious life is and make the most of every day. 

EW - All the wonderful people I never would have met.

DC -I've taken a step back to look at myself and made some very positive changes. I returned to activities I enjoyed as a younger person and added more. Life is good now.

TW - compassion. 

UL - the silver lining is the folks who you meet in support groups, web groups, etc.

BH -  I am able to get social security benefits.

BS -  Made me realize and appreciate how beneficial slowing down and spending time together is.

NS - Living life to the fullest . Really opening my eyes and appreciating everything.

FI - Living in the now.

BF - the one thing that i do like is some of the vivid dreams that i have. they are almost real and i feel so much peace in them i dont want to wake up

BL - As a nurse, I notice my patients take more time to "smell the roses" appreciate the little things in life that make it full 

EL - PD slowed me down enough to discover who I am, what I truly desire, and brought me closer to God.

HH - That is positive thinking. Like you I now spend more time with my husband. Move a little slower than before not able to do some of the things I use to do however I enjoy our time together. Some good days and some not so good days.

NR - PD has made me appreciate every day more fully. I am close to God now, and I pray more.

MS -I would love to be more upbeat, but I've yet to see anything positive come out of this.

EJ- Having PD is learning to be patient & to take each day one day at a time. Set goals and try to do a little project at a time (and its okay to relax in between!).