World Parkinson’s Day is now over for another year. I’m grateful that this year, I’ve been able to do my little bit to raise awareness in my corner of the world. There are so many different health conditions and other causes also requiring our attention and support. The world doesn’t and can’t and shouldn’t revolve around a single condition all the time.
For those of us living with Parkinson’s, World Parkinson’s Day and the spotlight on our condition may be diminished for the time being, but we are still living with Parkinson’s each and every day. I for one, am grateful that all year round, there are people working in organisations such as Parkinson’s UK, to support those of us with Parkinson’s and doing research to find better treatments and hopefully one day, a cure.
I have several friends who also have long term conditions – their conditions include Arthritis, Fibromalygia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Lupus. Although we have different conditions and our symptoms vary immensely, we face many similar challenges – in dealing with a condition that affects our everyday lives and isn’t going away (although I suspect we’re all hoping for that elusive cure). I am inspired by the strength and resilience of my friends who deal with their conditions amazingly well, and never seem to give up – though they probably have their moments, as we all do. One thing we have in common is that we don’t want sympathy, but rather empathy. Everyone faces challenges in their lives and we’re all just trying to live our lives as best we can.
I’d like to share with you a quote from one of my favourite songs:
“Everyone tells us, it’s gonna work out fine. They say it’ll turn out in the end. All we know is, we share a single sky. In love, in faith, in hope, my friend.”
Single Sky, 3 Bucket Jones
I am privileged to sing in a choir (The Bishopsgate Singers) run by Gitika Partington (of 3 Bucket Jones). Last term, we had the joy of learning the acapella version of this beautiful song.
Here is ‘Single Sky’ by 3 Bucket Jones:
Living with Parkinson's 