What is family? To me family are those people who care about me. I was engaged at the time of dx. He couldn't handle it and left. Eight years later he returned an told me he could not live without me. Then his family convinced him that it was a mistake and he left for good again. My family is embarassed by PD and will not associate with me. On the otherhand, I have increible friends who have supported me with their love for many years. One couple drove me 500 miles and spent 10 days with me during the DBS surgery and recuperation. Another friend hauled me 500 miiles each way for programming. Another friend intervened when an ER physician tried to have me put into a mental hospital because of dyshenisia. These are the people that matter. I am so thankful for these wonderful friends.