Laura From Within: An Autobiography Through Poetry and Journal

At the tender age of three, I developed a case of chicken pox. A horrible case that I know I will never forget. Not because I actually remember it, but because my mother will make sure the horrid occasion is firmly implanted in my brain.which, believe me, it is. This chicken pox episode has followed me from the toddler years up to now. And, it will continue to follow me until the end of my years. At the age of 15, I developed encephalitis, meningitis and shingles and three years later had another occurrence of meningitis. It was at this time I began to write. Three years after the last episode, I began to develop symptoms of what is now diagnosed as post-Encephalitic Parkinson's Disease. It has now been over 20 years since I found PD had entered my life. The docs classify me as being in the advanced stages. I say it is all in mindset. It has not ruined my way of living. In many ways it has enhanced it. I find that my creative side has blossomed as never before. My faith in my Lord has also blossomed. He guides me through each day with new lessons added frequently. He holds me when I am down, and lifts me up when I feel good. He always reminds me that I am human. Knowing this, I know that I will make it.He is my Father after all. I have three daughters Melissa, Jasmine, and Cameo. I am also blessed with a wonderful granddaughter, Chloe. I was a single mother for 15 years and bought my own home and 1978 Harley Davidson Superglide. I am now married to the man I can truly claim to have made my life complete. I have not been able to work for 11 years, but enjoy the peace and quiet of living on my acreage in the countryside of the Pacific Northwest. I have become humble to my Lord Jesus through the trials of this disease and have found strength and wisdom that I would not ever have known otherwise. I have learned that His will is in my best interest, and through His love, I have found contentment.