Why?

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Why?
That’s a question I ask myself often these days.

Why do I have Parkinson’s?
People are very kind to me, yet still I wonder.
One problem is that I hate to ask, yet I have to!  At a meeting this week, I even had to ask for a hand getting out of a chair!

I feel like I’m still young – and I’m now 71!  Older than I ever imagined I’d be!!  As a “Baby Boomer” I imagine lots of us are asking the same question.  If it’s not Parkinson’s, it’s something else.

I am lucky, though.  I live in Madison and the University of Wisconsin offers many resources for Parkinson’s sufferers.  On Wednesdays and Fridays I’m learning how to Tango!  In addition to our instructor, we have help from graduate students in Physical Therapy.  Plus I’m learning how to Box!  (Which I love!!)  And during the month of July I am rowing on Lake Mendota in an 8-person boat with a coxswain.

Once a month there is a free lecture by a person from UW Health on some aspect of Movement Disorders.  Plus, there are always the fundraising walks that are supported by community members. 

So I guess I’m lucky!

What do you ask “Why?” about in your life?
Can you see how you’re lucky?

Ruth Poochigian, OP
Madison  WI

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