Don’t mourn the losses . Celebrate the wins.

Yesterday I joined a webinar hosted by Parkinson’s Canada. The webinar focused on caregivers of people living with Parkinson’s There was was one couple married for 39 years. The husband has Parkinson’s and his wife is his caregiver. The other speaker was a Social Worker who has worked with people living with Parkinson’s for 15 years. He took us through the seven stages of grief as they apply to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I realized as he spoke that I am in denial about my diagnosis. Oddly enough I was surprised by this and realized I will have to work on that .I had been thinking that once I was on the medication I could go back to “normal”. But that is not how this disease works. The husband with Parkinson’s said.: ” Don’t mourn the losses , Celebrate the wins”. That really struck home with me. I know there are things I have lost already . I find it hard to know where the future will find me and I am obsessive about being able to plan for my future . So for me it may well be a win for me to have to learn not to do that.

For me one of the biggest wins is my husband, He is my care giver and support person. He has taken over driving me everywhere I need to go: my appointments , out to see my horse Biasini who is at the veterinary clinic 1.5 hours from where we live. He has always been the person who grocery shops and cooks and he continues to do that now. Most importantly he gives me emotional support and I know that my situation has to be a source of stress for him too. So he is my biggest win .

This coming week the vet will do an ultrasound to see how Biasini’s second suspensory injury is healing. I hope it will look good. The clinic has been lasering it every day and also he has been on the vibrator which encourages increased circulation. My fingers are crossed that the ultrasound will give me another win

.But if it does not then I’ll have to adjust to that and do my best to find something positive in it.

Don’t Mourn the Losses. Celebrate the Wins

Where are my Treats Mum?

Comments

41 responses to “Don’t mourn the losses . Celebrate the wins.”

  1. kevinashton Avatar

    Dear Anne,
    I often dip into your blog and view and enjoy your amazing photographs. But once in a while I read a post such as this one and am moved by your strenght and honesty. I know this post is a few months old, but I hope when you read this you will take heart in the knowledge that others admire and find great value in your honesty and courage.

    Best Wishes
    Kevin

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you for your comment i very much appreciate it 😊

  2. TimK Avatar
    TimK

    Leueen, you have been an encouragement to me for several years. Thanks for this piece and your great attitude. TimK for the Gym

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      You are most welcome

  3. Anne Sandler Avatar

    Your words meant a great deal to me Anne. I’ve been giving myself pity parties since I was rear-ended in August. Now I know I need to concentrate on what could have happened and on getting better. Love to you and Biasini!

  4. Amy Avatar

    Such an inspiring message, Anne! Thank you for sharing.
    You’ve share many of your wins with us.

  5. […] Don’t mourn the losses . Celebrate the wins. […]

  6. Coach Doug Avatar

    Leueen. Great post. Yes, glad you found the Canadian Parkinsons group. They will be very helpful. I think there are more Parkinsons support groups than most other conditions. Here is an interview I did many years ago with Patrick Losasso, a Parkinsons exercise instructor.
    https://eldergym.com/exercise-and-parkinsons-disease-with-patrick-losasso/

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you so much for this.

    2. anne leueen Avatar

      I have just listened to your interview wiht Patrick LoSasso. I got a lot out of it that I think will be helpfull. So many thanks for the link.

  7. pattimoed Avatar

    That’s a great philosophy, Anne. Celebrate the wins. Don’t mourn the losses. You’ve got a wonderful support team. 🙂

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Patti. Yes I do have a great support team

  8. bushboy Avatar

    I am glad that you listened to a webinar and are in contact with others who can help with the mental side as well as the physical side.
    A therapy horse will always help 🐎

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thanks Brian. You are right support is essential!

  9. whippetwisdom Avatar

    What an inspiring webinar Anne and I hope there is plenty of support available in your area for you and David too. ‘Celebrate the wins’ is a lovely mantra to live by and we send love and hugs your way 🤗💞🐴💞🐕 xxx

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you so much Xenia!❤️

  10. nesfelicio Avatar

    You inspire me, Anne.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Nes!

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Sheryl

  11. Mitzy Bricker Avatar

    How often we need to ‘re-train’ our mind and thoughts on this path of life. What a win for you Anne to have folk that help you re-think your situation. That’s another win for you, isn’t it? Your horse is a joy for you, that’s easy to see. Yes, we must count our wins! God bless your dear husband, God bless you.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you so much Mitzy. I appreciate yountskonf the.time tonkeave me this lovely comment ❤️

  12. Neal Saye Avatar

    What an inspiring post, Anne. Thank you for sharing from your heart. Your hubby sounds like a jewel. And may your wins continue to grow and give more cause for celebration. Happy Saturday.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Happy Saturday to you and HR. Thank you so much for this comment ❤️ 💖

  13. The Backyard Horse Blog Avatar

    I will echo other’s comments and say that is a particularly well-written and thoughtful post. And a big shout out to your husband- a supportive spouse is a win to celebrate. I am thinking about you and praying for you and also Biasini as well.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you for this comment. I really appreciate it and thank you for your prayers. I appreciate them very much

  14. Diana Avatar

    Such lovely photos of you and Biasini! Your smile says it all, and I’ll keep you all in my prayers. You’re so lucky to have a wonderful caregiver in your hubby too! Sending warm hugs and some carrots too! 💞🤗🥕🥕🧡

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you so much Diana. Please do keep me on your prayers. Biasini and I both need them. 💕❤️💕

  15. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    This could be good advice for any situation. Thanks for sharing it, I will try to be more mindful.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      I agree that it can apply to many situations.thanks for commenting 💕

  16. sandyjwhite Avatar

    I believe in your resilience. It’s a big win.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Sandy💕

  17. cloverandivy Avatar

    Fingers crossed here too that these things work out okay. A good, thoughtful post.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you💕

  18. Laura Avatar

    What a wise way to rethink the way a situation is thought of, it certainly gives me something to say to myself when I’ve gone off track. I know it’ll stop you from wanting to jump ahead to ypur future. But we’re all guilty of thinking ahead, it gives us a sense of comfort believing that we can control our path. From all I know of how you’ve faced prior challenges, you will find a way to bring yourself in the moment, now that’s a win to celebrate!

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Tha k you Laura for this comment. I appreciate it very much

  19. allysnotebook Avatar

    Good post Anne.

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thasnks Ally

      1. allysnotebook Avatar

        You’re welcome Anne.

  20. Debby Cummins Avatar

    Anne, I am so sorry to learn of your recent diagnosis. The last time we texted was about 2 years ago when I had just learned I could no longer ride. I guess I am still in denial about my back; however, I too have a big win in my husband who is my caretaker. I hope your horse gets well and I will keep you in my prayers.

    Debby Cummins,
    Living close to Tryon, NC

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Debbie I very much appreciate your comment. And thank you for the prayrers.

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