A rabbit called Boudicca, coping and ginger beer

I had a rabbit called Bo short for Boudicca, she was my friend, and a wheeled her up and down in a toy pram in the tiny hamlet of Chapel Lawn in 1967. Back then I was a little girl with jersey cow eyes and blonde out of control hair. Quite a sight I could imagine, but I didn't care. Like her namesake I was feisty and liked my own space. I was brought up to be resourceful, to occupy my own time, to be creative. I was inquisitive, mischievous and curious. Nothing has changed. This is important, as I believe how I was shaped has been a huge factor in my ability now to cope with PD. All the things I have described above are all the things I use everyday to manage. And I do manage.

I may be repeating myself, but when I read all your wonderful posts I always feel compelled to write. No I don't have it easy, none of us do, No I don't have the answers, I don't do the science, I don't read, I am not in denial I simply don't want the scales of my life tipping over into the world of illness. I like things on the level.

The biggest tool I have had in my quest to lead my life as fully as possible is me, and my thinking. I haven't allowed this condition to blot me out. I have a plan for everything, I don't leave my happiness to chance, I tackle things head on, I am bloody minded and for me it works. My life is so full of stuff illness can barely squeeze into the tiny gap that is left. Yes I have tonnes I can't do, yes I get frustrated, yes times can be tough. But I am not going to let any of that stand in my way. I compromise, I change, I swap, I try and out smart, I am ridiculously busy. I don't just cope, I have a great life, the one I make. All I am wanting to say is that there is a Boudicca in all of us, this I am certain.... so when you can't hike, ride a bike, when you can't fish, get your catch by snapping your camera, when you can't read a book, write one, when you can't walk try dancing, when you just want to curl up, make some bread the smell, the dough, the fun. Oh and drink ginger beer, its great for Nausea, the bubbles go up your nose and make you giggle and its mighty fine. And yes, its ok to remain utterly miserable if you choose, happiness is not compulsory, nor am I being all evangelical. We are all different! Kindest C

[Carrigan]

I love your spirit, keep it up x

[Court]

I had a wonderful childhood. My first dog was called Rags. Things were very different then. My friends and I had freedom to roam more or less anywhere without fear of abduction, etc. I am an only child and I think my childhood made me the person I am now.

I have surprised myself by coping with having Parkinsons, and all its various offshoots, as well as I have. Of course, I have off days, who doesn't? But on the whole, I take each day as it comes and try to make the most of my blessings, of which my grandchildren are foremost. I MUST keep this thing at bay so I can enjoy time with them.

[alanrob]

It makes me sad to read how happy things were for you both as children and how unfair it is that parkinsons has had the nerve to invade that happiness,even more because your attitudes are amazing.

[shasha]

speaking of grand chilfdren - we are expecting my second son guy and his wife kate tomorrow with their 2 gogeous children ben who is 7 and lily who is 17 months - to be frank i am dreding it as i am just so bad now it is only a year since they were here bu in thar time i now cannot walk or even speak clearly - HELP - i am just so desperate to fell a bit more human

[Hidden in reply to shasha]

Shasha :: first of all they love you, for who you are and if you can't do a cartwheel so what! (I never could) Feeling more human is so so so important, and being able to do things together is also key. If I may make a few suggestions! The one gift we can all leave behind is a legacy of all the great things we have learned/experienced over the years such as a treasured recipe or that legend of a family story, old photo's ... nostalgia is a comfort to us and a joy to them. How about a specific project where you start a series of scrap books, its really fun for everyone and priceless. The other thing which works for me is music. I have taken up keyboard and play drums. Children love sound and tunes, perhaps you could have a little music 'club' playing tunes, singing (if you can) making 'maraca's' out of smartie tubes filled with beans etc etc.

When they have left and all goes quiet again, please try and think of some other things you can do and enjoy that make you feel good about yourself. If you can't call me and I will try and help. Let me know how you get on. Kindest C

[shasha in reply to Hidden]

THANK YOU HH - I FEEL ASHAMED NOW AND I AM WEEPING AGAIN

[Hidden in reply to shasha]

Hey, ashamed, no don't be. Have a big hug, put on some music, something you danced to when you were 17, text 3 people you love and tell them what they mean to you, and eat big piece of something yummy..... all is going to be OK x

[PatV]

Hi H-H I'm with you . I LOVE ginger beer, it's sharp! I have a guinea pig named Bo, I call her Piggie because she goes WEE, WEE, WEE. Don't take her out much as she is nocturnal. Music is great and I will dance when the dyskinesia sets in. Thanks!

[GrammyC]

I think this post is one of my favorites...EVER! I am going to print it off and hang it on the frig for motivation. Thank you for sharing this with us. You just made my day!

[MGirardi]

How much more of an up sweep could we ever wish for? Other than a cure?

[Brooke]

I love your attitude,I feel the same way about PD,I am not going to let it rain on my parade. Thank God I live in a place with lots of activities. I play golf,go to Zumba,line dance and many other things. I also love to shop,I call it Retail Therapy.I am sure you have helped to inspire many people today. God Bless!

[alanrob]

Are there really people as nice as you lot in this world,why is it the nicest people get afflicted with some of the worst illnesses,it really isnt a fair world,i hope there is such a thing as reincarnation because people like you deserve another healthy life.

[tlongmire in reply to alanrob]

Agree.

[tlongmire]

Thanks HH. Always love to read your posts. You are inspirational.

Hugs, Terri

[Trixiedee]

I envy you guys, I'm not sure if it's a PD symptom but I struggle with motivation and drive. I have loads of things I want to do but it overwhelms me and short circuits my brain and I end up in bed on Facebook for way too much time. I am a single mother of twins so that takes up most my energy. I do have a pretty positive attitude to my PD (although sometimes I get swallowed up in negativity) but I have so little energy, both mental and physical. My symptoms started around the time my twins arrived, before that I was following my dream and doing a textiles degree. My boys are now 9 and I've decided to do a part time textiles course (unfortunately a couple of hours journey away) - I really hope I can keep up the energy and drive to complete it!

[summitclimber]

you are awesome I feel the same way about my PD I have bad days but those days don't stop me ! I just went on a hike in Colorado with my son in law and at the top of this 14000 ft summit I met Roger Long who on this very day is climbing MT Kilimanjaro with team FOX Roger has had PD for ten years and is a man who is strong minded with a strong faith so stay strong an thanks for your inspiration !