For many of you this is the first time you are hearing about my diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. If it is, please click on the tab above for "My Story". I explain how I began this journey.
It's almost been a year since I first noticed symptoms of Parkinson's and almost four months since my official diagnosis. Little did I know, a year later I would be trying to deal with the day to day of living with a non-curable disease. This new journey was not something I was expecting but I guess the Lord had other plans.
As I began my research, I came across a few blogs of people who were also diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's. These blogs were inspiring, hopeful, and encouraging as I was looking at an unsure future. I was searching everywhere for answers to so many questions that I had. As I read these blogs, I realized these were people just like me sharing their day to day lives with others about how their Parkinson's was affecting their lives in a positive and honest way. (ok there were a few negative) This was the beginning of a seed that was planted for me to one day blog about how Parkinson's is continuing to change my life. Just like I was encouraged by these writers, I want to encourage others as well. So, today will be my chance to start impacting others as I continue on my new journey. With the continued support of my family and friends I will persevere. A verse that I continue to go back to during difficult times in my life is Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understandings, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Seventeen years ago our lives were changed by our sweet son Luke who was born with his own challenges he was going to face for the rest of his life. With our short 2 1/2 years with him, we emailed our weekly updates to family and friends. Those emails were forwarded to others over 100 times what we ever dreamed. Blogs, Caringbridge, or Facebook didn't exist back then. As I reflect on those days, writing those emails was healing to both Jere and I. So as I start this new adventure in blogging, I hope you see this as my way to share what's going on with me and my Parkinson's but also a way to give hope to others.
Thank you for joining me on my journey
Stacey
This is beautiful and will surely be an inspiration to many people, Stacey! I love you and am praying for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are my Warrior and have shown amazing strength already. You have a huge team of support behind you. I love you
ReplyDeleteWarm and caring, clear and evident that you are positively LIVING, not just surviving. You never cease to amaze me Stacey. Much love, Jana
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! As with everything, Stacey, you are handling this with grace, strength and positivity. You will most definitely be an inspiration to many. Continue to fight, and lean on your huge support system of your wonderful family and many friends. We are behind you with love, cheers and prayers 100%!!! Love, Amy Z.
ReplyDeleteYou are a pillar of beautiful strength! We all have so much to learn from you as you persevere on!!! Love you! Praying for you! Joining your journey!
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the progress report. God has blessed you with a positive outlook - and you have shard that many times. SWU is preparing to construct a residence for helping special needs friends adjust to the campus students. We are calling this the Jericho Project, and I'd like to add a large wooden sign, ONE DAY BETTER! This can honor Luke and you and be a tribute to my dear friend Jere! Our prayers and interest are with you. Please keep us posted. Chuck and Betty Mealy
ReplyDeleteWow! This is really inspiring. You do a beautiful job combining your backstory with information about the disease. Your positive attitude is apparent and shows us how God is working through you.
ReplyDeleteLove you. I am truly inspired by your strength, positive outlook, and desire to help others in all your circumstances. You are an inspiration and very bless to know you. ��
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring! I pray that the Lord does miraculous things through you and your journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this! Read every word and you are so inspiring and brave.
ReplyDeleteStacey,
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for you. I can appreciate the courage that it takes to put your story out here but I know that God will use you to minister and bless others. Hugs to you.
Stacey, Thank you for sharing your story. It is truly one that has touched my heart. I love your Proverbs Bible verse. It gave me chills when I saw it because it is one that has been on my refrigerator for some time now as a reminder that God carries us through trials and wants what's best for us. He will bring you through this journey with hope and faith and reveal his plan for you. You will be helping so many including yourself. So inspired by your courage. Persevere in Hope, IN HIM.
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