Pat LaPointe

The name of the other individual in this piece and the location of our meeting has been changed to protect his identity. As still a smoker (yes, I know), I...

Multitasking used to be loading a couple of loads of laundry while loading the dishes and cleaning kitchen counters. Now it’s Monday laundry, Tuesday dishes, and maybe by Wednesday, clean...

My husband and I were at the doctor’s office this past Valentine's Day. A nurse asked what I had been given for the special day. She was a bit surprised...

Ever since the first onset of Parkinson’s symptoms, I’ve complained, crabbed, and mourned what I’ve lost from my earlier life. I’ll never drive again. So, I’ll never go shopping alone...

I woke up one morning with a strange feeling. At least strange for someone with Parkinson’s. Nothing was stiff. I easily rolled out of bed. I didn’t feel like I...

In the past I’ve been "blessed?", "burdened?", and "frustrated?" to be a caregiver. Now it is my turn at needing a caregiver. The following is what I’ve learned from both...

"Tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to sit down and shut up." - Ann Bradford This quote stuck with me for a couple of days. And it...

I am a planner. I don’t like surprises. I hate magic shows. Okay, I admit, I’m a bit of a control freak. So, it’s natural for me to need to...

I didn’t come looking for you. I was intent on buying a "lesser" model. "Oh, but I have something that will be hard to resist" spoken like one would expect...

To my husband: I have Parkinson’s. Response: A hug and then "Well, at least we know what it is now. Do you want to talk about it? Or let yourself...

Two years ago, we were traveling to London, Florence, Venice, and Rome. I was having some back pain when walking even a short difference, so determined to go on this...