At our December 3 meeting, we talked about Thanksgivings past, last month’s and previous years, as well as the upcoming holiday season. What were we looking forward to? What were we feeling anxious about or maybe even dreading? How do we support ourselves and what we need when Parkinson’s is thrown into the mix? Thank you to everyone for the generous sharing of your thoughts and experiences, some of which are paraphrased below.
“Holiday joy comes from music, family, and friends, seeing how the grandchildren have grown, the food.”
“I was afraid of leaving home, dealing with steps and navigating around the furniture at my daughter’s house. I did a practice run the day before, which helped ease my fears.”
“I was afraid of a loss of mobility and getting up from my chair. It went fine. I enjoyed the food and the happy kids.”
” I spent Thanksgiving at my daughter’s house. She has a 22 month old and a new baby. I was anxious about expectations, not being able to play with the toddler and not being able to help with the baby, but very much looking forward to seeing my grandchildren.”
“My daughter and her family live 15 minutes from the assisted living facility where I live. She took us all out to dinner. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving.”
“I don’t have the mobility to go out shopping or to pick up food at the grocery store. I feel in the center of what everyone works around and lost in the shuffle. I appreciate the help and assistance without having to ask, like my daughter buying Christmas gifts from me, but there’s that loss I feel in her doing so without my input into the gifts.”
“My son is living with a woman I’ve never met. The thought of seeing her for the first time when I’m further along in my Parkinson’s progression is hard. It’s hard for me to eat. Sometimes I drool, and I’m horrified that this might happen in front of her. I tell myself these things bother me more than anyone else. I try to smile through a problem. I don’t want to complain all the time or feel like I’m too much trouble. It’s been 14 years since I was diagnosed. Many of my symptoms are embarrassing and others have lessened my mobility, making me more isolated.”
“All of this is comforting to hear. I was diagnosed two years ago. I have anxiety because most people don’t know about my diagnosis. I’m a very private person.”
Personal insights, advice, and coping skills were also shared, along with some resources sent to our group, linked below. We have no experience with these resources and offerings, so cannot vouch or not vouch for them. Please let us know your thoughts should you contact or try out any of them.
Pedaling for Parkinson’s sponsored by the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. FREE. Various locations in Virginia and Maryland. In 2026 they are launching a new pickleball program for Parkinson’s, according to their website. For more information, contact Anita Dandeker, Senior Director of Health Programs, 202-329-7524, anita.dandeker@ymcadc.org
Dance for PD offered by The School of Dance at George Mason University, Fairfax campus. FREE. Offered on Fridays from 1:00 to 2:15. For more information, contact Elizabeth Spatz, espatz@gmu.edu
Wellness Classes in Northern Virginia sponsored by American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA). Scroll down to Northern Virginia Region for exercise and wellness class offerings. They also have Virtual and At-Home options.
Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) offers exercise, wellness, and speech classes as well as an online book group and a social event. Additional helpful resources on their website as well.
Our next meeting is Wednesday January 7 at 1:00 pm via Zoom. Details to follow soon.