Splish splash

I thought I would take all your suggestions regarding voice activation type and see if I could work out how to use punctuation.in the process of doing so I thought I would tell you about my morning. I went swimming.

I have never been a very good swimmer and I am not a huge fan of forgetting my head wet. I shudder when I think back to my school Days and having to swim in water as long as the temperature was over 64 degrees in an outdoor swimming pool. then there was the time on holiday when I was caught by a Riptide and dragged along the bottom in pure terror.

Despite all this I know that in order to keep mobile I must keep moving. my body now actually craves movement and the freedom of water is an obvious choice.

So this morning I took the plunge and with the help of a dear friend I went to a local swimming pool. Of all the things that I have done todate having had Parkinson's for 13 years now this was the first time that I actually was dependent on someone so much so that if they have not been there I would not have been able to go.

But the most interesting thing for me about today was not about the swimming itself it was actually to do with allowing somebody else to do things to do for you that I haven't had help with since I was a little girl.

To have another person put your pants on do your bra up and help you in and out of water takes a huge amount of trust care mutual respect and acceptance.

My experience of this was a good one and I am convinced it was because the friend who helped me put me at complete ease she was remarkable and said to me the privilege of helping had been hers. We are going to go swimming on a regular basis and I know that this is going to be a good thing for us both.

Initially it was very difficult my legs refused to move and trailed behind me like somebody who has had a catastrophic spinal injury. I focused got them moving and I managed to do 12 lengths of an Olympic sized swimming pool. There were times when I felt I was going to need help but I kept my nerve and I kept swimming.

I am so pleased with myself that I have had an extra slice of Key Lime Pie for my lunch. 😁😁😁

CHH

[Hidden]

Fantastic

Leaning on others not only helps you it makes the person helping you feel good.

When i was about 25 we went to a amusement park. At one of the rides was a young man in a wheel chair. He was unable to get on the ride so i asked if i could help. He said yes if i think i could put on the ride. He looked like he weighted about 200 pounds so i just picked him up walked to the ride and put him on it. We waited until it finished and i put him back into his chair.

I will never forget that day because it warms my heart to remember the look on his face.

I got more from that boy that day than he got from me.

The person helping you most likely feels the same way about you.

Bailey

[laglag]

Great job in getting out there & doing something so challenging. You have a true friend, hang on to her! It's so nice you can help each other.

And...Key Lime pie! Yummy!

[Peaches]

Good for you! I can just imagine how hard it had to have been for you. That is what I dread the most with this disease...losing my independence. I have always been the caregiver and it will be very difficult for me to be on the other side. Until then....onward and upward and KEEP exercising.

[Hidden in reply to Peaches]

Well to be fair everyone has something tough to deal with. Thank you for your care!

[Beckey]

Twelve lengths -- wow! That calls for some Olympic-size bragging.

You mention this was a dear friend. Do you think your experience would have been different if your companion had been, say, a health care provider?

In any case, you've inspired me to take on a physical challenge tomorrow.

[Hidden in reply to Beckey]

That's a good question and my answer is anyone who comes forward to help I'd say yes. If I didn't it costs me not them. It's not pride I have that intact is simply adjustment and acceptance. Let me know how you get on 😃

[Beckey]

I guess I haven't made the adjustment in that I never want to ask anyone for help.

[Hidden in reply to Beckey]

I get that but two things struck me....

1. Not asking is a barrier to things I need and love

2. People want to help and don't know how to. They prefer to be asked!

My gf said she needs to swim as much as me and I give her the motivation. So it's 50:50 balance we both win. 😃

[Court in reply to Hidden]

I have nothing but admiration for you. You are an example to all of us. At the moment I do not need help. What I need is motivation. I keep saying I will ride my stationery bike, and then putting it off to another day. This is me who has always said how important exercise is to keeping one step ahead of Parkinsons. I will really have to make an effort. I have been having balance problems lately which could be linked to low B12 levels. Hope the course of injections w2ill put me back on track. Please keep posting.

[Hidden in reply to Court]

I'm really very ordinary I just write about stuff I guess. Motivation can be a problem because some things are tough to do, even getting your coat on! I find that by making a commitment which involves other people makes you do stuff. So maybe you don't need the practical help but in asking for it you get motivated 😃😃😃