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Parkinson's Will Not Define Me

On that fateful day in August arriving late, so unusual for me For I am always early; did I know deep down what the verdict would be As soon as I walked through that door, the neurologist told me my fate I had Parkinson’s she said; a degenerative disease; but then I heard no more How I wanted to scream are you sure, are you sure Then I started to cry; then I started to shake How on earth would I cope; how on earth would I live I am now all alone since my darling had died But the kindly sweet nurse made a cup of sweet tea She gave me a hug sending me on my way with armfuls of booklets, to read one by one and not all at once, there’s so much to take in I spoke to my family, I cried, they cried I spoke to my friends, I cried, they cried Then slowly I realised it could be much worse I began to get angry; I began to curse Till finally I vowed to live life to the full Making each second count, till the day my time comes I vowed that Parkinson’s will never define me I will never let it rule me; I will fight it to the nth degree Written 21st December 2018 Competition: You are not defined by Sponsor: John Hamilton 2nd place Standard contest 180 Sponsor Brian Strand 1st place

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Line Gauthier

Date: 2/26/2021 5:48:00 PM

Wow ~ superbly penned. A tribute to your strength and determination, Ann. Love the poem.

Ann Gilmour
Date: 3/3/2021 10:02:00 AM

Thank you Line I try to remain positive, but on a bad day that is not so easy. but hey ho there is usually a good day just around the corner... hugs Ann xx

Line Gauthier

Date: 2/25/2019 11:35:00 PM

A FAVE, Ann. A most uplifting poem. Congrats on your well deserved win.

Ann Gilmour
Date: 2/26/2019 2:37:00 AM

Thank you so much Line, so glad you liked my poem enough to FAV! I appreciate your visit. Kindest thoughts Ann xx

Heidi Sands

Date: 2/19/2019 7:43:00 AM

Congratulations for your win :)

Ann Gilmour
Date: 2/19/2019 11:08:00 AM

Thank you so much Heidi, kindest thoughts Ann xx

Alexis Y.

Date: 12/29/2018 9:32:00 AM

Hi Ann, You've penned such a moving and heartfelt write. I felt my inner self say " You go girl" for not letting "Parkinson's Disease" define you. Congratulations on a well deserved win:-) Alexis

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/30/2018 9:52:00 AM

Hi Alexis and so glad my poem reached your inner self with your comment inspiring me on. I thank you for your encouragement with kindest thoughts Ann xx

John Hamilton

Date: 12/29/2018 9:09:00 AM

Such a sad and heartfelt write Ann, very touching story, glad you don't let it define you! Congrats on a fine win!

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/30/2018 9:48:00 AM

Thank you so much John for my win in your competition. In fact by just putting it down in a poem it proved to be so cathartic for me. Many thanks for your lovely comments, kindest thoughts Ann xx

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 12/22/2018 3:58:00 PM

A beautiful powerful piece Ann, great to hear your positivity and upbeat attitude. As you say keep upwards and onwards as this was a great write one to spur others on to who may suffer from this terrible disease. May God be with you, My thoughts are on you, Gordon

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/22/2018 4:25:00 PM

Thank you so much Gordon for your lovely comments, I have to be positive otherwise my life would be over, and I will never give into P, even though there may be a battle ahead. Wishing you and yours a peaceful and joyous Christmas with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Jan Allison

Date: 12/21/2018 4:07:00 PM

Bravo Ann for writing the poem and also being so positive and upbeat that you won't let it beat you. The lady who introduced me to the site had it diagnosed at a very early age in her mid 20's, she is inspirational! good luck in the contest I hope this one places at the top:-) hugs jan xx

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/22/2018 12:12:00 AM

Bless you Jan, yes there is a misconception that P only affects older people, but sadly there are a lot of younger people too and at present they do not know what causes it. Kindest Christmassy thoughts Ann xx

Heidi Sands

Date: 12/21/2018 11:57:00 AM

This poem gave me goosebumps!!! So well written and expressed! You are so strong. Bless you :)

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/21/2018 12:19:00 PM

Dear Heidi thank you so much for your lovely comments, I try to be strong most of the time, sending kindest Christmassy thoughts to you and your loved ones, Ann xx

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 12/21/2018 6:26:00 AM

I love the positivity of this soulful write, May your days be long , your hand steady and your days be full of longitude and health dear lady. Love xo

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/21/2018 6:30:00 AM

Oh bless you Pixie, that is so beautiful. Sending warmest wishes to you and your loved ones, with kindest thoughts Ann xx

Eve Roper

Date: 12/20/2018 8:51:00 PM

Oh, my heart is crying for you, Ann. My grandmother & dad died of Parkinsonism and I know it's genetic. I see a neurologist now once a year ; it use to be every six months for my condition. So far I'm doing OK, but it is very frightening for me to find out if I too will have it. I hope I never will.My prayers and love are with you.. and a big hug..

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/21/2018 1:06:00 AM

Thank you dear Eve and I was so sorry to hear that your Grandmother and your Dad suffered with P. I pray you do not succumb to it - positive Christmassy thoughts to you from Ann xx

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/20/2018 8:35:00 PM

Great write, my friend. I am sad that you have to go through this. Never do figure out how God decides what to give each of us, but in the end, what He decides is always better than what we had planned for ourselves. Glad you are so optimistic! This will aid you in your travel, my friend.

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/21/2018 1:03:00 AM

Thank you my friend, I needed to enter this competition as P will never define me! I can always rely on you to explain things in a way only you can! I wish you joy and peace for you and your loved ones dear Caren. xx PS by not giving P it's full title makes me feel more powerful!!

Robert L. Hinshaw

Date: 12/20/2018 7:35:00 PM

Ann, I'm so sorry to learn that you have contracted this terrible disease. My dear wife, Vera, lost her nearly 8 year battle with Parkinsons in July and passed at 83 years of age. She was under the best of care but alas there was not much to be done. Sorry to be so glum in my comments especially this time of the year but as you say, don't let it define you - press on! Bob

Ann Gilmour
Date: 12/21/2018 12:58:00 AM

I am so sorry to hear that Vera lost her battle with P and send you my love Robert. My diagnosis was two years ago and after the initial shock I am generally positive and thankfully still able to get out and about. So I say onwards and upwards whilst I still can! Kindest Christmas thoughts to you Robert on this your first Christmas without dear Vera - Ann xx