Parkinson's Pals and Knowing what to say

Hiay, this is Corrine and I am writing the blog post today. Nancy was indisposed and so I am covering.

 The 3 Jafapals: Nancy , Talitha and Corrine 

Title is Parkinson's Pals, but to be honest I am not pals with Parky. In fact I loathe and resent parky intruding in the life of my dear friend, but I am trying to work with it. 

In my experience some of the most hurtful things people who were once friends or acquaintances can do when they find out someone they know has Parkinson's is ignore/avoid the person thereafter (because they don't know what to say or how to react). Another thing is sharing they know someone with it, which isn't bad in itself,  BUT then go into details which is quite possibly terrifying for a newly diagnosed person to hear. 

Then there is the opposite problem of someone wanting to be your knight in shining armor, a noble effort, but it can be overwhelming and places a terrible burden on the the person dealing with Parkinson's.

Sharing a diagnosis takes people off guard but here are some ideas. 

Well dang that SUCKS, you want to talk about it?

I'm so sorry, you want to talk about it?

"I wish I had something smart and helpful to say right now but I’m at a loss." from Davis Phinney Foundation

Here are 5 tips of encouraging things to say and I love these from Parkinson's News Today. I find number 2 a bit dodgy as it presumes a belief system BUT asking is there a special way I can bless or pray for you is not as loaded. 

For Nancy and I we use a lot of humour, including POTTY humour, parky deserves it. 

Love Nancy's Bestie xxxxxxxxxxxx and reluctant pal to Snarky Parky