I am Ria Leeman and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2000. I was 45.
My husband, Walter, and I live in Belgium and we have two sons and a daughter; 32, 30 and 27 years old who are settled in their own homes. I had worked as a high school teacher for more than 24 years when, on the 12 September 2000, the neurologist finally told me that I had Parkinson’s. From that moment my life completely changed.
I remember very clearly that I told the neurologist; “I am not satisfied with the woman I have become.” Instead of an optimistic, busy and eloquent woman and mother, I had changed into an uncertain and depressive person. I didn’t know what to do. Who am I? What will my future be like? What am I going to do? How many ‘good years’ will I have?
But whatever happened I knew that my family and friends would not let me down and I would not have to go through this drastic change alone.
One of my most difficult life decisions was deciding that I could no longer continue teaching. But eight years after my diagnosis, I can say I’m a lucky woman! Thanks to the excellent help of my neurologist, my physiotherapist and, last but not least, the Flemish Parkinson’s Disease Association (Vlaamse Parkinson Liga), my ‘second life’ is a good life, albeit totally different.
These days I have plenty of time and I enjoy every minute. I listen to other people with Parkinson’s. I work as a volunteer in the Flemish Parkinson’s Disease Association, organising meetings, excursions and festivities for other people with the condition. I have a need to see and talk to other people and I need to help and support them: if they are happy, I am happy too! My life is busy and I feel useful.
I have also discovered that I like to express myself through art, including mosaics and stained-glass windows. Someone once told me, “Those who lose themselves in their passion have lost less than those who have lost their passion”. These words are very special to me.
This is how I live my life with a chronic, degenerating and incurable illness. Parkinson’s has changed my life completely. I don’t know yet what will be the future impact on my life and that of my family, but I will survive as long as possible and live a positive life.
