About me

PROFILE:
I have been writing poetry and stories since I was a child, and a love of reading was instilled in me from an early age. I am passionate about writing, and hope you enjoy the books I have written. Whilst most of you sleep soundly in your beds, like many Parkinson’s patients, insomnia dictates, so during those hours that sleep eludes me, the house is tranquil and quiet, an atmosphere perfect to immerse myself in writing. My life has been a series of strange events, which have without doubt contributed to my creativity. To publish anything is to bear one’s soul to the world. It is to stand naked and let everyone see who you really are. I have poured my heart and soul out on paper and I hope to share this journey, immersing you in a story, capturing your attention and firing the imagination. Through my writing and public speaking I hope to bring greater awareness to the general public about living with chronic disease.

Friday, November 9, 2012

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.


3 comments:

  1. What you have said in today's blog is of the utmost importance and I am sure that every single caregiver will agree with you.

    Jill

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  3. Sharing activities or hobbies with a loved one is healing for everyone. I am so happy for you that you can enjoy sailing. I grew up by the Pacific Ocean, so boating or just being near a body of water is peaceful and healing for me.

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