I have been "blessed" with low back pain for the last 6 months(no rupture, just buldging disc- but more like dystonia) . It plays havoc on being able to sit at the computer and type. So what I do is read a thread, then type my reply in a Word document, then cut & paste it into the forum reply. (confused yet? lol)

That's what I did last evening. I didn't even realize there was a page 2 to this thread. So this morning I want to respond to those replies I missed. I know harley - whom I finally met in person t his summer w hen she visited Tennessee, so all I can say is God gave her a giift for writing poetry - glad to see her use and share it with others. dbiker - I know you used to post herhe a long time ago. I remember how active you were with your church - designing graphics and newsletters. olsen - we've exchanged thoughts before, also - and I, too, like Tennyson. I don't know lurkingforacure of Shake em up - but I relate with your replies. Lurking, I have that book and have recommended it to many. I would also suggest Lee Strobel's The Case for Faith - excellent answers to why bad things happen to good people. Max - loved what you added at the time of this reply. I especially like this: "The JOY I experience this day flows forth from my outlook on life and will not be hampered by what is happening around me: by what has happened in the past or by what might happen in the future. I choose to see the beauty of my life and the promise of my good to come."

Finally, I want to respond to Jaye. Jaye and I go way back - we met at a conference (or they called it a retreat) by PLWP held in KY. It was the first time many of us had met face-to-face. Jaye was and obviously remains strong in her faith. The Bible says in the boook of James that "faith without works is dead." That doesn't mean that you "earn" your way to the great beyond by doing good deeds; it simply means it you claim to have faith but do nothing to show it, it's dead faith. (BTW James was the brother of Jesus). Jaye is one of the best examples of faith in action that I have witnessed. (Well, maybe she runs second to Mother Theresa - lol). She always is doing things for others - not just little things either. I recall her hand-crocheting prayer scarves (or it may have been knitting - showing my inexerience) for those in need at her church. What a tangible profession of faith that probably touched more lives than just the recipient! And the list goes on - she has been my prayer partner for years.

I don't get to read here often, but so love to interact with those who do frequent here. Yes, I have even let my time (or lack of) be dictated by my advocacy activities. Paula, it would do us all good to visit somewhere beautiful and soak in the majesty of knowing someone else is in control- and that "someone" has ALL the answers.

This is what I see as the theme that runs through this post: we have Parkinson's - it could be worse, but it could defiinitely be better, but right now there is no cure. What do we do about that? So places like NeuroTalk, PatientsLikeMe, and all of the Parkinson's groups exist for one reason - to share with each other about what works for us to help improve our quality of life. And as diverse as we all may seem , we can appreciate, respeck, and hold dear the friendships we have made in the course of this illness. I, too, believe it happened for a reason - and thatg reason was not as punishhment for something we did or didnt do.

Sorry this was so long. Hugs and best wishes, thoughts and prayers to you all!

Peg