Life through the Lens of Parkinson's
Parkinson's changes life. It's still life.
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 10. Copyright 2016 My family's canoe trip on the Androscoggin River in Maine is a precious memory. I think that's why I chose it as my first subject for learning to paint. Rivers are ideal metaphors for life. I grew up between the Kanawha River and a set … Continue reading Riding the River
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 9. Copyright 2016 I blamed my total knee replacement surgery for switching on my Parkinson's gene, but I realize now that I already had Parkinson's symptoms when I had the operation. I wanted to find a reason, a culprit. How did I get Parkinson's? People ask, but I … Continue reading Good Question
by Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 8. Copyright 2016 I am content to have stunning views in my memory. Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, gave me this one. More endearing to the memory is the company of a friend celebrating being cancer-free. I don't really have a bucket list. I'm not interested in … Continue reading The Beat goes on
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 7. Copyright 2016 Refusing to accept help or use a cane or other accommodation makes as much sense as refusing to take my meds. I don't earn points through suffering. We don't get any extra points for suffering. Pain is not a contest, and I don't want to … Continue reading No Contest
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 6. Copyright 2016 I mean to be a lamb at Bible study, but I often end up being a lion. I am struggling with being a bitch in Bible study. I do not use that word as profanity, a swear as my friends in Maine would say, … Continue reading I am struggling with being a bitch in Bible study
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 5. Copyright 2016 Boxing is an effective exercise for people with Parkinson's (PWPs). I can't think about boxing without a mental nod to Ali. *Muhammad Ali died June 3, 2016 after a long bout with Parkinson's Disease. He was arguably the most well-known athlete in the world for much … Continue reading It was impossible to ignore Muhammad Ali
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 4. Copyright 2016 The county pool near my home serves as a center for exercise, stress relief, and social interaction. I have more bathing suits than I did when I was a teenager. Ever try to pull on a wet bathing suit? A couple of weeks ago, I … Continue reading Ever try to pull on a wet bathing suit?
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 3. Copyright 2016 Lifting weights taught me a new definition for the word "negative." The university fitness center in the small Maine town I called home for 18 years offered classes, and over those years, I took several of them: adult swimming lessons, Total Body Cycling, Zumba, Aqua … Continue reading The Negative Spaces
by Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 2. Copyright 2016 The view from my chair is comforting. I find peace in sameness. I'll get back to normal next week. I had that thought this morning. I was doing my physical therapy exercises between breakfast and shower, which is way out of my routine. I … Continue reading My New Normal
By Teresa Swartz Roberts Blog post 1. Copyright 2016 My diagnosis was a lot to take in all at once. Now I celebrate each day. It's better one bite at a time -- or shared. A year ago Feb. 9 I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. And I am grateful. I have been given 12 … Continue reading Happy Anniversary or Yay, Parkinson’s!
Life through the Lens of Parkinson's 