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Dear R & R

I am writing this to you today, when I am still able to type fairly quickly with my left hand. My right hand as you know has fallen prey to the vagaries of Parkinson’s disease. Ronak, you, my sensitive and observant child have at the very young age of 3.5 identified my right hand as being too slow. You often kindly explain to Rikhil (a toddler now) that “mummy has boo in her hand”. I am so proud of the thoughtful and kind boy you are. 


I am worried that I may at some point in the future experience the cognitive symptoms of the disease  so I want to capture what I want to tell you both now. Particularly, I myself want to be able to explain to you the nature and challenges of my condition.  I would like you to read this when you are a bit older so that you can understand better.  


PD is a degenerative neurological condition which means that it will get worse over time. I want you to be aware of this as you may slowly notice changes in the way I think, move, speak and experience the world. Please Do acknowledge these changes but please don’t let them come in the way of your communication with me. I still want to be able to do all those things with you boys - from grocery shopping to attending school events and going on holidays. Sure, I maybe slow or move differently but know that my resolve to be by your side as you navigate life’s milestones is now stronger than ever. 


So what can you expect over the years? This is a hard question because I am not sure myself. Every person experiences the disease . I hope these will make you more aware of the challenges I maybe facing and to always show some grace.


It is important to remember that not all individuals experience all symptoms. So, we need to wait and watch to see how my condition is affected as time goes by. I will write to you again when the time comes.


Until then I want to sit with you both, read The Gruffalo book to you and then sing the Gruffalo song with lots of actions and dramatisations. After all, we are creating our own special memories, aren’t we?

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