Becoming a burden

My mother's biggest fear was becoming a burden to her family in her old age. When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's five years ago, I began to understand her almost obsessive fear, as I too now worry about the future and becoming a burden to my darling husband.  A book entitled "…and death came third!" written by Andy Lopata, states that in 1984 a New York Times survey was held on social anxiety. Odd as it may sound, the number one fear people had was walking into a room full of strangers, followed by speaking in public. What is amazing, is that "death" came in third place! Hard to believe, but you can't argue with statistics. I guess my priorities have changed very much over the years. Walking into a room full of strangers doesn't phase me, and I find public speaking is most definitely not a problem. Even the survey's third most common fear; death, has never worried me at all. I think my number one fear would have to be the same as my mother's, for being a burden on one's family is infinitely more distressing than anything else I can think of. I hope a cure is on its way and that I can enjoy a long life with my husband and grow old together. I want to be one of those couples you see with silver grey hair, wrinkles and lots of laugh lines, still in love and holding hands as they sit on a park bench. It's not much to ask for, and it may sound a small dream to you, but it's the dream closest to my heart.