“If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything” Marty McFly

Sharing the diagnosis with my husband was easy as we had talked about the possibility on a daily basis for some time. But telling my kids? This was going to be challenging. They were teenagers. They knew something was up as they could see my symptoms developing but saying the words out loud was something I had to wrap my head around before I could carry it off without falling apart.

I very quickly dismissed the idea of telling them in the ‘family meeting’ format. I couldn’t face all of them at once without becoming emotional and I wanted each of them to have their own private reaction time.

They have very different personalities and would need to be told in three very different ways. The boys were understandably quiet and they had very few questions. I reassured them that I was totally fine and, that in my case, this was not hereditary as nobody else in the family history had PD.

I got through all three deliveries without crying and I was very proud of myself for appearing strong.

Oddly enough, at one point, I actually found myself laughing! You see the Back to the Future movie series had been a favourite at our house and the boys absolutely love Michael J. Fox (aka Marty McFly). So when I referenced how the MJFF (Michael J. Fox Foundation) is searching for a cure and that I felt they were getting close, one of the boys held both of my hands, looked into my eyes, and said,

“Can I call you McFly?”

Absolutely!

Telling your loved ones that you have a progressive neurological disease is indeed scary for you and for them. I would suggest you take some time to create some sort of plan so that you can be prepared for the message you want to give and the reactions you may receive.

Great information from the MJFF here; Sharing Your Diagnosis

and here; Taking to Children