Sailing through life

I spent most of my youth every weekend and holiday by the seaside, sailing with my family. The menfolk smitten with the sea, sailing boats, entering races and joining a yacht club all became part of our regular activities. In Britain the winter is too cold to sail, so much of the equipment would be brought home and this was a season to repair any damages, replace parts that were worn and give everything a general overhaul. The sails would be hosed down meticulously, dried thoroughly before being stored away in their bags until the spring. Not having sailed for some years, I suddenly find myself again sailing, this time with my husband who seems to have caught the ‘sailing bug’. Finding a hobby or activity for a caregiver; having something of their very own, enabling ‘time out’ and a little ‘escapism’ from the never ending tireless duty of taking care of a loved one is of great importance. So at least once a week my darling goes sailing, and on the odd occasion I join him. I have to admit, to get me on and off the boat is quite a performance and incredibly difficult. For safety reasons I have my own light weight PFD (personal flotation device) which is extremely comfortable to wear and gives us peace of mind. Parkinson’s is not conducive to sailing as I have a lack of balance, feel seasick (which I never suffered in my youth) and am unable to pull any ropes or participate in any way. I sit like a princess whilst my husband and anyone with an adventurous spirit who has joined us for the day do all the hard work. Although this activity is far from suitable for someone in my condition, it is important as a married couple to do something recreational together. For despite the many hours as we spend together at hospital visits; doctors’ appointments or going to meetings where I've been invited to speak - this is not recreational and is a far cry from sailing. Whether you sail, play scrabble or cards with friends, go to nature reserves, visit stately homes, museums – going somewhere or having an activity that is not related to illness, is tremendously important to the welfare of one’s marriage.