{{hugs to all}}
I am Karen, a caregiver to my mother of 10 yrs dx pd. My father
tends to her most of the time, but works f/t still to keep the
medical benefits and is scared to retire (he is 70). I tend to both
their needs, mow their grass each week, do moms hair, run her to the
doctors, and stores, take their dog to the vet, clean her house for
her, you name it, I do it.
Unfortunately I have 2 brothers and their families who take no part
in helping, infact just last week they both went on vacation and my
parents had to run to their house twice a day to take care of their
dog. Yet, of all the things my parents do for us, not one do they
offer assistance of even mowing the lawn for my father (who mind you
has had 1 heart attack, 1 bypass and recently had heart
falipitations) he is currently on coumadin which he will take for
the rest of his life.

It is an awful feeling to be the only one who cares. My feeling is
that my brothers are still (and always will be) in denial of pd,
because I tried to inform them of when my mother was doing poorly
prior to the amantadine, they must not have taken me seriously until
they saw it with their own eyes, they got all upset, and called me.

I am no longer speaking with them , as for years I have done for
them, as my parents have, giving to their kids each holiday,
birthday, occasion, my daughter is now 10 and in 10 yrs she received
1 card for her birthday, ONLY because my sister in law wanted
something in return. They do nothing without it benefitting them in
some way.

BUT on the positive side, if anything happens, I know I did all I
could for both parents, I have a fantastic husband and daughter, and
the best pets that bring us a lot of enjoyment. I try to think of
what I do have as supposed to what I do not have. And am very
grateful for it. I thank God each day that my mother is still able
to be somewhat mobile, she has her off days, but she is doing well
for the most part, progressing slowly of course but it is expected.

Anyhow, I just thought I would post a hello and introduce myself
and if anyone out there has siblings such as mine and would like to
share the frustrations and pain, maybe some laughs, send me an email
as it brings comfort to know we are not alone.
pcsg2005@...

{{hugs, love and prayers}}
Karen
http://www.geocities.com/pcsg2005