From Earaches to Activism...
The weekly round up
Hello lovelies,
It started with a niggle. Just a little one. A tiny, annoying twinge in my ear the night before my daughter’s audition in Glasgow. No big deal, I told myself. I’d shake it off. I’ve dealt with worse—like, I don’t know, PARKINSON’S. But by morning, my ear had transformed into a fiery pit of agony, and I had exactly two options:
A) Curl up in bed and whimper like a wounded animal.
B) Drag myself onto a coach and accompany my daughter to Glasgow, because that's what supportive mothers do.
Obviously, I chose B. Because I am nothing if not a dedicated (if slightly malfunctioning) parent.
So there I was, in the middle of a packed coach, clutching my head like a Shakespearean heroine in the throes of a dramatic monologue. The vibrations of the road felt like an earthquake in my skull, every pothole a personal attack. Meanwhile, my daughter sat beside me, the picture of youthful energy and artistic ambition, utterly unfazed by my slow descent into madness.
I tried everything to distract myself. Deep breathing. Mindfulness. The sheer force of will. But Parkinson’s had other plans. My dystonia, ever the attention-seeker, decided now was the time to really show off. My feet and legs twisting and contorting, which I can only assume was quite the spectacle for the poor souls sitting behind me.
Then came the realisation that I’d have to walk when we got to Glasgow. And not just any walk—a fast-paced, determined march across the city to make it to the audition venue. With an earache. And a dodgy gait. And a nervous teenager.
Reader, I wibbled and staggered and weaved through the streets, trying to keep up with my daughter, who was all business and brisk strides. I must have looked like I was on a personal pub crawl not entirely out of place in the wild, mad city of Glasgow.
By the time we arrived, my daughter was laser-focused on her performance, and I was contemplating amputation of my own ear. But she did it. She walked into that audition room like she owned the place, and I sat in the waiting area, vibrating gently and probably looking like an avant-garde art installation titled Motherhood: A Study in Resilience and Pain Management.
Did she get the part? We have to wait to find out. But did I survive? We’ll have to wait to find out…
Parkinson’s can’t get in the way of a determined mother on a mission. Not even with a rogue ear infection and a very public display of wobbly chaos.
Hope your week has started well!
Hit reply, leave a comment and share this post. Thank you
Emma xx
Thank you for those of you who gave me feedback via the survey! It’s so helpful. I hear you about more interviews. I am putting out the emails but not a lot of response…but never fear, I’ll keep at it!
If you want to do an interview (it’s an easy few questions) hit one of these buttons:
What’s New in Handshake
✨ Petition of the Week: From Movers & Shakers (
)“Increase funding for people with Parkinson’s and implement the "Parky Charter"
We want the government to take the decisive five steps set out in the Movers and Shakers' "Parky Charter" and to fulfil the Health Secretary’s promises.
As a priority, we want to make sure that everyone referred for a possible Parkinson’s diagnosis sees a consultant within 18 weeks and at least once a year after that.
As set out in the Parky Charter, we want:
1. Speedy specialists
2. Instant information
3. Parkinson's passport
4. Comprehensive care
5. Quest for a cure
Parkinson’s is considered the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. We think it’s time for the government to respond to our grave concerns about what we consider systematic failings in Parkinson’s care.
The measures in the Parky Charter, which are supported by the three big Parkinson’s charities, require the government to deliver on their promises, ensuring timely diagnosis, comprehensive care, and dignity for all people with Parkinson’s.”
📚Free Book of the Week: In Her Shoes from YOPD Women
“A Young Parkinson’s woman’s guide to pills, periods, pregnancy, parenthood, prevention, prognosis, and the power of a positive perspective (when diagnosed with an old man’s disease).”
🎥 Video of the Week: You or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and you feel that you want to make a difference by spreading awareness about it; but keep asking yourself, why is it so difficult to do?
Your Turn
Got a blog, newsletter, video, or creative project about living with Parkinson’s? Share it! This community thrives on connection and collaboration, and your voice matters.
See ya next week :)
with love
Emma xxx
Also, quick reminder...I'm a one-parky-wobbly-show...all entries take time as I add them! I will get to yours - promise :)
Oh Emma…your humour in the face of adversity is inspiring ❤️
Ohmegosh! I remember earacheS as a child. The doctor told my mother to let me lie down with a warm compress on the ear. It worked.
Em, your determination is on another level. My new chant is now, If Em can, I can. I hope your daughter gets the part. (If not, I hope you go in and give them what for!!)