stiff
The breeze beneath the old pecan tree was blowing from the west and feeling like someone opened a sauna door. Just three days from the official declaration of Summer and the temperature and humidity combined was breathtaking. Just a swift visit to the garden to gather a few cucumbers rendered this septuagenarian worthy of a visit to the clothes dryer for a fresh pair of shorts and a shirt. As the recliner in the air-conditioned den embraced this somewhat stiff and slow-moving host to Parkinson’s, I had a flashback to days gone by when as just a young boy I sat in this same room in the middle of summer trying to cool down from the swelter outside with the assistance of only an electric fan blowing the semi fresh air drifting through the open windows. During that time, summer on the farm was fraught with constant daily chores interspersed with an early afternoon respite (and nap, if one could endure the heat while sleeping) from the burning heat and sun outside. Perspiration was one’s companion, but it never seemed to be a deterrent to the ever-eager activities of the then young and restless farm boy. Clad only in shorts, without shirt or shoes, this browned and secure youngster roamed the fields, pasture, and woodlands finding arrowheads, crayfish, terrapins (box turtles) and an occasional salamander. Many years have passed since then and this blessed adventure called life has taken me around the world to places I only dreamed about in the days of my youth (and many I never knew existed). The joy of the childhood memories is enhanced as I look thankfully upon the walls wherein those memories were made and offer up my heartfelt gratitude for the young life experience as a farm boy. The barefooted youngster has become a want to be secure footed oldster living in the air-conditioned abode from which it all began, filled with a heart of gratitude for not only this place, but also the gift of others with whom I share the richness of this humble place called home!
Cloudy, overcast and chilly is the morning that greets this Spring day. It seems the ancient ones were right when predicting musculoskeletal dysfunction in the presence of cloudy and wet weather. I once thought it humorous when my grandmother would predict the onslaught of rain, simply by the lack of flexibility or pain in her joints. Interestingly, my humor has waned as the years have brought forth some similar experiences for this host to PD, among other visitors! Old is feeling so new and youth is feeling so ancient. Nevertheless, the sheer joy of living in these moments of observing nature, fellowship with friends and family, and the promise of a new dawn, fills this life experiencing heart and mind with gratitude that never ceases to lift our thoughts to brighter things. Holidays, birthdays, and other special days arrive whether sunny or not, and remind us that our time on earth together is not contingent upon the weather! A thankful heart flowing with gracious sharing with a sister or brother helps remind us that our purpose is to love one another!
The heat and humidity engulf the surroundings and layer the skin with a film of moisture just for being present. Gracie the Golden is out seeking a place of relief within the wide open field near the garden. It is becoming obvious that her tryst with Charlie, last month in Goldsboro, is going to render another litter of baby Goldens not unlike a year ago. As I reminisce on the porch swing I watch as she gallops through the grass around the orchard and wonder how many there will be this time. She has demonstrated her ability as a dutiful and dedicated mother who was only too glad when the last of the pups had found their own loving and forever home. Witnessing her frolics and relief, a gentle call of her name brings her gleefully panting back to the refuge of the air conditioned indoor space. The Parkinson’s invader has rendered this pooch lover physically slow and stiff at times, but always welcoming of the loving hug and lick seemingly omnipresent and waiting to be redeemed at a beckoned call. Just another three weeks and new lives will emerge from this loving gift that is Golden and begin their journey in the family to which much joy will be given and shared. In the meantime, we cherish each moment that is now with a grateful heart and thankful arms that embrace this magnificent creature we call Gracie
Babs, their Golden Retriever, was executing her usual role as playful observer and chief from the newly found space within the fenced back yard. The baby was safely secured in her car seat just extracted from the vehicle and positioned beside the sofa and centerpiece of the bright new living room. She watched every move of the going and coming as the last of what seemed the personal life support supplements were brought in from the vehicles. Endowed with what appears to be a heavenly dose of calm and patience, my daughter-in-law attempts to redirect the attention of her overly tired toddler from her need to express general discomfort to a place of enchantment and absorbed attention at the yet to be discovered new surroundings. Their first evening in the new abode was about to commence as this stiff and tremulous dad and grandfather gave his goodbye hugs and kisses. A week’s worth of gratitude had filled the space between their arrival and this evening’s farewell. Now they were all safely tucked in the tiny but comfortable house that will be their home for the next few months. Thankfulness is the stone upon which we step as we reach out to the One who has made it possible to bring family closer together.