Wow, how life has changed. Six months ago the very thought of threading a needle seemed intangible, figuratively and literally. Precision-related skills became increasingly difficult and eventually impossible because of my tremor-dominated Parkinson’s Disease. For obvious reasons, placing a tiny thin piece of thread through a tiny hole while shaking just did not jive, In truth, threading a needle was simply one of many tasks that I handed over to my husband, but with immense resentment and frustration because I could not do them by myself. So what’s the big deal? Well, it isn’t when it is one thing, but it becomes deflating and depressing when you are asking for help for more and more tasks. You realize that you are loosing your independence and it is scary.
Growing dependency is not unique to people with Parkinson’s. It occurs with other illnesses and with the universal condition of aging. So often, I hear people talk of their loved ones by stating their age followed by “and they are still living on their own.” This simply reveals how much we value our independence and see the lack of it as a deficiency. I think the key is being prepared to accept the need to ask for help while still maintaining a degree of independence. Much easier to say than to do.
One area that is extremely difficult to change is driving, especially if you live an area where mass transportation is simply not an option. The decision to stop driving usually occurs over time. First, you may find it challenging to drive at night or in inclement weather. Then the idea of driving in unfamiliar areas may hinder you from doing so. Also, driving distances that are farer away may make you anxious.
I know what I speak of…..because this happened to me. I went through a process when my Parkinson’s progressed and my tremors effected my ability to drive, even to places close by. I am so pleased that after my brain procedure, I have been able to drive again at least until the aging process inhibits me.
As you go about your daily living, I hope you find joy in the things that you can do life independently. So often we take our independence for granted. I know that I did until I gradually lost it. On a more positive note, regaining the ability to do activities of daily living may bring incredible pleasure and gratitude. How fortunate I am that I can once again thread a needle!!!
