Family relationships

How Parkinson’s or any disease affects one’s family is a complex issue which I have only touched briefly on so far. The emotional and physical toll, not to mention logistics and financial strains that weigh heavy on a family whilst taking care of someone with a degenerative disease are not to be taken lightly. Many spouses struggle to such a degree that they can no longer continue, and sad though it may be, occasionally these cases end in separation and divorce. I apologise to any male reader as I do not intend to sound biased or offend, but statistics clearly show that female caregivers (probably due to our inherent nurturing natures as mothers) generally stay put and run the course. The numbers of male caregivers show that men unfortunately are often less able to bear the intense heavy burden and ultimately for self-preservation, bale. These are merely statistics, but I’m incredibly lucky and blessed to have a wonderful husband who is patient and understanding, steadfast by my side he supports me through the good and bad days. Despite staying together through thick and thin, both of us having positive cheerful natures (a great advantage), the worry of what lays ahead, and the strain of the days that are not so good, do effect this household. I would be a liar it I were to tell you differently. When I try to imagine how my husband feels when he sees me in pain, and there is little he can do to alleviate my discomfort, or he hears me shuffling my feet from the other room, or dropping yet another drinking glass, the sound of breaking glass must shatter his dreams of the life he thought he would lead. We fall in love, marry and bring children into this world, without knowing or having any guarantee of what the future holds. If your love for each other is strong, it will endure anything that life throws your way, and sometimes even make you appreciate life and what you have in a deep and profound way. Stay tuned, for tomorrow I will continue with this wide-ranging topic.