Why I pity those....?

Well, I know I must be difficult to live with. For oh so many reasons, but Parkies is certainly one of them. One minute I am saying 'I need my independence and to try to do things for myself!' Next minute, I find myself saying 'Why didn't you help me?' Who of us can identify with that!

This is also an acknowledgement of the special people who are there for us, even though we may be difficult souls at times!

As the names suggest, these are two quite different poems. As they are short I thought I would record them together. I wonder if at the end of the first poem, you can tell me where the little boy is?

I hope you enjoy them both, they both make me smile for different reasons.

Thank you for following me.

This is a podcast inspired by my seeking information about what structure people usually have for their podcasts. How many series, how many episodes etc. To give me an idea of how I might structure my podcast. I came out of my brief investigations realising that I cannot be constrained by 'shouldisms' or what others think is the ideal. This podcast is about me and my life with Parkinsons, but equally about my life that is not about Parkinsons. It will have variety, it may be somewhat unpredictable, but I hope that is what makes it tuning in to hear what I am up to. I hope you enjoy my offerings.

Hi, this is the second interview with Louise Taylor, a well-respected lawyer whom I have known for several years. It emphasises the importance of a Will and the reasons for this.

Note that the information contained in this podcast is relevant to a New Zealand context and may be different in other countries. It would pay to check with your lawyer, if you have one for advice regarding whether there is an equivalent option in the country in which you reside.

Welcome to my first interview on My Journey with Parkinson's. The interview is with a well-respected lawyer, Louise Taylor who I have known for several years now. She gives some excellent advise on Wills in this session and it is well worth listening to. A point to note, however, is that the advice is given in a New Zealand context and may not apply in other countries. It would pay to check these things with your lawyer if you have one. Whatever your local situation, Wills are incredibly important.

A sentimental poem this time. Written some time ago, when I was neither old, nor gray.

I wrote this poem shortly after retiring. It felt so free to be able to have control of my life, with no boss telling me what to do, my time was my own. Given the health issues that have plagued me, it is not unlikely that I would have been forced into retirement, but luckily I was able to decide when it suited me not what suited others.

Spending time with my children and grandchildren this Christmas, gave me an opportunity to see what my children and grandchildren might want in the way of items I have treasured when I am no longer here. The girls chose vases that I have collected so they can put a flower in them to remember me. Talking about what value is placed on things we have treasured and sharing the stories that make them precious.

I have never strived for perfection. Instead, I have tried to be the best I can and that can change moment to moment, day to day and hour to hour. It would be easy to give up and just accept that we can no longer do some of the things in our lives that may have become difficult. Instead I try to do at least a part of something. For instance, I may not be up to a six hour tramping trip, but might be able to work up to one hour, then two hours and more if I can. Life can be full of losses, but I feel we have to keep trying to at least do some of the things we love.

Another poem. This time, about identity. Who we are, and how we are seen can have a huge impact on our sense of self.