I have Parkinson’s Disease.  I have a great life, and I am fortunate. I have lived with PD for almost 13 years. Once in a while, I break down and cry and say to myself, “what is going on here? Do I really have PD?” But I quickly move on.  More often, I cry happy tears.  Do you know why?

One example occurred last week.  I was visiting a group of people with Parkinson’s at an exercise class.  A gentleman that I had seen about six months ago was participating in the class. He was using a walker, and his son was with him assisting him with everything.  He couldn’t get out of his chair himself, he needed help getting his coat off, and he shuffled around the gym with his walker.  So, last week, I looked at him and thought something was different.  I walked up to him and said hello and asked how he was doing.  He answered, “Look, no, walker.”  He proceeded to explain to me that he no longer had a walker, and he was driving himself to class, which was not the case when he started six months ago.  The smile on his face and the twinkle in his eye are images I will never forget.  My mom standing next to me had tears in her eyes.  My friend, Bud, then with great sincerity, said to me, “I have my life back.  Thank you”.

This story is one of many that make me cry.  Tears of happiness and hope are what inspire me and many others to keep hoping and fighting this disease.  These tears keep us moving forward and keep reality real.  These tears make us stronger and better individuals. These tears keep us working together as a team to pick each other up when we fall down.  These tears of joy keep us moving forward and realizing that good things do happen to people.  Yes, I cry.   But with stories like the one I just told you, I will cry every day to hear another one just like it.