-
Anne's story
- This sunny, Sunday morning I am in London. I am in a hotel near Covent Garden enjoying a theatre trip with my youngest daughter. In an hour or so my son is coming to take us on a visit to the British National Art gallery in Trafalgar Square. So, with an hour to relax I have decided to begin my story for the Edge of the Forest.
-
- I am Anne Pauline Orr nee McMenamin. I live with my husband David in a suburb of Glasgow, Scotland. We have three grownup children and five grandchildren.
-
- I have lived my whole life in this area and it has changed as much in that time as I have. Scotland is a land of romantic castles and breath-taking scenery--we even have a monster in Loch Ness! In recent years Scotland has had to balance this 'enchanted' image with the harsh realities of modern life--unemployment and economic worries. Glasgow, one of the great Victorian cities, has been revitalised and is successfully being restored to its former glory (I wish they could do the same for me. Ha! Ha!)
-
- I have had several jobs over the years most of which involved caring for others in some way. I have worked mainly with children in a nursery--a demanding but fulfilling role. Parkinson's disease meant that the last two years of my working career were difficult. Nursery work is physically and emotionally draining. I have now retired. Of course, that is just part of my story. I live well beyond the confines of Glasgow and indeed of Parkinson's disease.
-
- I have a love of travel which if anything has increased since I was diagnosed. I spent a year working in New York City in my youth and recently I have enjoyed visits to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, France, and many other European destinations. Not to mention visits to Ireland and England. I dream of one day visiting all my new P.D. friends in Canada, Australia, and the U.S.A. I feel I know you all already and I would love to meet you in person to thank you for your friendship and support.
-
- It's now Monday morning and our bags are packed ready for the return trip. We had a busy day of galleries and shopping yesterday. London is such an exciting city. My son is coming later to take us to King's Cross train station so I have a little time to tell you how P.D. has affected my life.
-
- I was diagnosed with P.D. three years ago. This followed the no doubt familiar story of 'The Trembling Hand.' Of course it was a shock. I was very scared but there were lots of distractions. At that time my husband was in hospital, my eldest daughter lost a baby, and, more happily, my fourth grandchild, Holly, was born. Oh and I was still working full time. Life, it seems, doesn't stop even when you receive a shock like P.D.
-
- By the time life had settled down a bit the initial shock had worn off and I found I was able to accept that I was a person with Parkinson's disease. My body was changing but I was still me. I did feel alone. I wanted to understand this disease and speak to people who knew exactly what it was like.
-
- Another change came into my life. I bought a computer. Now I could travel the world from my own home. Through the internet I found out about P.D. and started on a wonderful, inspirational journey to the Edge of the Forest. The friends I made there teach me each day to love life and accept change because family friendship and love are constant.
-
-
-
-
Niece Geraldine, Sister Lily, and Anne
|
