I was born with Gaucher disease, battling ill health
from a young child, and for the last eight years I have been living with
Parkinson's. Becoming an advocate for both diseases, has taken me on a
tremendous journey, one which I would never have dreamt of. I have shared with
you all my thoughts in an honest candid fashion, the ups and downs of living
with chronic disease, along with imparting helpful information I've learnt
along the way. There have been difficulties and bad days tempered with funny
stories to relate, and I hope my sense of humour and positive attitude in the
face of adversity have spoken to you, reached out as if we were sitting
opposite one another having a companionable chat albeit via the Internet. I
have had the great privilege of speaking on behalf of the Parkinson's and
Gaucher community through my articles in The Huffington Post and at various
public speaking engagements. A gift you have all given me is the pleasure of
meeting many wonderful good people, fellow sufferers and caregivers, hearing
inspiring stories that touch the heart and uplift one's spirit.
I
would like to thank you, my readers, for all the support, comments, e-mails and
messages you've sent me and I wish you all the very best. May you experience more
good days than bad, enjoy happy moments with your loved ones, make special
memories that you'll look back on fondly, and grab life with both hands. Don't
waste time and energy on the small stuff. Realise what is important to you for
life is precious and goes by in a flash.
I believe Mark Twain had the right
idea when he said: "Twenty years from now you'll be more disappointed
by the things you didn't do, than by the ones you did do. So throw off the
bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover."
I
hope you'll continue to stay with me as I blog on Fridays, sharing my journey and
experiences with you along the way. Until then I bid you adieu, and wish you a
happy and healthy new year. May 2014 be everything you wished for.
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