One Day at a Time
My spouse of 49 years has had Parkinson's for at least 17 years. The cover story about Richard Lewis (October/November 2023) had so many good suggestions. I especially like the advice about “taking one day at a time and enjoying the good days.”
—Barbara Zimmerman, Rochester, NY
My wife and I appreciated Richard Lewis’ philosophy of “Take one day at a time and enjoy the good days.” We saw him do stand-up more than 30 years ago in West Palm Beach, FL. He was so funny and talented, the audience laughed from start to finish.
—Harvey B. and Nancy J. Ulano, Kula, HI
Rings a Bell
Sarah Ruhl's struggles with Bell's palsy are similar to my own (October/November 2023). In 2005, I developed shingles in my left ear which went untreated, causing the left side of my face to droop. I couldn't close my left eye or speak clearly and had problems swallowing. Eventually, the doctors determined that I had Ramsay Hunt syndrome [a complication of shingles that affects the facial nerve near the ear]. After 18 months of physical therapy and several eye surgeries, I am now able to close my eye, but I have chronic dry eye and use drops several times a day. I lost hearing in my left ear and have learned techniques to prevent choking while eating or drinking or even swallowing saliva. Ruhl wondered if not being able to smile might lead to depression. With me, it's just the opposite. I have a perpetual smile. People think I am always happy.
—Valerie Golembiewski, Tucson
My experience with Bell's palsy started with a severe pain in the back of my head. When I looked in the mirror, I saw that my right eye wouldn't close, and my mouth was drooping. My physician diagnosed me with Bell's palsy and sent me home with an eye patch and prednisone. Several months went by, and my eye still wouldn't close. After being sent to a neurologist, I was treated with Botox. Eventually I developed synkinesis [a condition in which voluntary muscle movement triggers an involuntary muscle movement], and to this day when my right eye blinks the right corner of my mouth moves. Ruhl really covered the range of emotions. I never look good in pictures with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I try to smile and hope it looks normal. No one has ever understood how I feel and what I have dealt with all these years. For the first time, someone out there understands.
—Melinda Setzer, Roanoke, VA
I was diagnosed with Bell's palsy 37 years ago shortly after the birth of my daughter. I have synkinesis but had never known that the involuntary movements had a name. One eye closes when I smile and waters severely when I eat.
—Sandy Nye, Mansfield, OH
Creating Healing Art
I'm writing in response to the editor's letter (October/November 2023) requesting stories about using the arts to heal. I have migraine seizures and complex regional pain syndrome. Making jewelry and painting can be taxing, but it's also very rewarding. I surprise people with angels and bracelets. I love doing random acts of kindness. I'm not sure who it helps more—me or them.
—Amanda Robertson, Ligonier, PA
I have been a quilter and crafter for almost three decades. Three years ago, my health nose-dived, and I stopped crafting. I was eventually diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis. Recently I have started quilting again and find that color and fabric feed my soul.
—Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, WA
Due to memory challenges, I've had to relinquish my acting career because memorizing lines became an immense struggle. However, I discovered an alternative path to the stage through long-form improvisational comedy. I became part of a remarkably supportive community.
—Michelle Cannon, Phoenix
A Sight to Behold
I've had neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder for 18 years now, and rarely do I come across anything written about it (“How to Lower Your Risk of Neurology-Related Vision Loss," October/November 2023). The article was helpful for people to see how many different neurologic diseases affect vision.
—Anita Dudley, Fairhope, AL
Move to the Music
The article on dance was terrific (October/November 2023). I am a huge fan of Nia, a mind/body dance practice that is adaptable for all levels. My own Nia practice has reconnected me to my physical self and kept me grounded through many major life transitions.
—Nancy Renick, Louisville, KY
Grief Lesson
Grief is not something you fix or get over. It's something you live with in varying ways for the rest of your life. What enabled me to go forward was saying “at least” instead of “if only.” I used to say I shoulda, woulda, coulda. Now I say, “At least I had 30 great years.” “At least I felt loved.” “At least we laughed and had so many good times.” “At least I have my sons.” It's honest and emphasizes the positive.
—Marla Hamblin, Seal Beach, CA
