The dictionary defines "celebration" as an act of celebrating; an observance or celebration of anything. To celebrate means to praise, extol, honor or commemorate any size of act or achievement.

 The annual celebrations are usually logical and often easy for us to remember, except due to diminishing memory, in my case anyway. Thanks for pencils and paper to create lists and my calendar, without which I would be lost or late for most things. Most of us are pretty good with annual event such as anniversaries, birthdays, holiday, etc. However, as a parkinsonian, who lives alone (a topic for another time) and has to deal with depression,  mini celebrations are extremely helpful. These mini celebration events can be the most rewarding and beneficial to all the people involved. I'm taking about small special or everyday events, that we often take for granted or decide that it's too much trouble or not worth it. It can be a card of thanks or thinking of you, a telephone call or unexpected e-mail, a walk, a movie, a lunch with a friend or member of your family. Similarly, with a small group, it could be any of the above, a BBQ, a weekend reunion, or end of special project/task party or gathering.

Communication, a little time, sometimes organization and "bingo", you and they are smiling, laughing and feeling great. You obviously have to stay in contact with these people and we have the various communication tools to make that happen, or else they live close to you anyway. The planning and doing for these types of events, for the most part may have to be flexible. That key item is important for us Parkinsonians, but cards, calls, walks, lunches and most of the others, fit right into that flexible category. "Hey",  they understand and postponed is the word! Hearing or seeing that laugh or visualizing that smile and laugh have its built in rewards for all involved. Just remember for a moment back to December 2000, Toad's idea of "love bugs" were the results of a discussion that we had in November. What a great time for all involved!

Some other ideas that I have used or heard about, include the following: give unexpected flowers to a caregiver, special friend or family member; have a BBQ for local couples that helped you through a personal health/crisis situation; have a street party for your neighborhood friends and families - your idea, but everyone chips in to help; send a thank you note and flowers to local librarian, for allowing you to put up a Parkinson awareness display for the month of April; submit a letter of thanks to editor for advertising or a letter of thanks to your community for donations in "Coins for a Cure" campaign and merchants who volunteered space for your collection boxes; give a home made jar of relish to your doctor; have pizza and refreshments (donated) for a special project team; visit a school/class or church group to promote Parkinson awareness or assisted you with something such as photocopying to fundraising; travel to visit or invite a new friend to visit you; give or send a friend a couple of tickets to a movie, dance, concert or play. The list of possibilities is endless. There doesn't even have to be a reason.

When it comes to celebrations, "Why wait?? Do it now!!!"

Ryan Tripp

Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada

ryan.tripp@sympatico.ca