Yesterday I was involved in a meeting that including most of my fellow residents, staff, social workers and just like the first such gathering two weeks ago, it turned out to be a productive, fun and collaborative experience.

Feeling the fatigue of the afternoon my speech deteriorated but I managed to contribute to the discussion and feel satisfied afterwards, having shown the new practice leader a great Parkinson’s speech hack that tends to help a lot – as long as I remember to use it and not pursue in headlong semi-stuttering or just talking too fast, rendering my utterances increasingly unclear.

My outstanding speech therapist showed me how to write four large horizontal Xs or crosses, which I then use to tap a finger on one by one and saying just one syllable at a time. It’s a great way to slow down my speech and regain control of a very hard time when my speech is off.

It’s heartening to realise that although the Parkinson’s challenges are always present, there are still some ways to improve daily life. Counting my blessings, one by one as well.