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The skies are overcast with a thick layer of clouds and the leaves rustle gently now with each passing breeze. Prognosticators assert that a late summer “cold front” is passing north to south as a now category one hurricane is moving its way across north Florida in a track directly over the Carolina coasts. The southern moving front will collide with the northern moving storm and help steer it out to sea hopefully before it wreaks its full potential for damage over the inhabited landscape. This unwilling but accustomed possessor of Parkinson’s symptoms is moving in a calculated fashion, not wanting to inflame a lumbar region well noted for its raging objection to bouts of stress. The overcast sky reminds one of the need for a reprieve from glaring and piercing sunshine that can bake the clay and scorch the landscape. Life exists in either condition but thrives in a moderation of both. The giant Southern Pecan tree standing majestically in the yard gives evidence to the habitat of both sun and shade. The south side, receiving the brightest and more intense sunlight bears dry and brittle bark. The north side, being exposed to very little direct sunlight renders a habitat inundated with a bright green crop of moss that has thrived during this summer of frequent rain. Neither the dry bark nor the moss covered bark is significantly better than the other. They both inhabit the same tree that thrives to produce, some years, a bounty of its fruit. Like the tree, this possessor of PD seeks a balance from the extremes of his symptoms so as to flourish in the fruit of thanksgiving that is nourished by gratitude.
Overcast, but not gloomy, the landscape brightens slowly signaling the arrival of some cooler weather. An agenda waits as this day unfolds, but in the still of these early hours we calmly reflect upon those things for which we are thankful. Parkinson’s has taken its toll but it has not stolen the joy of life. Without the loss of some flexibility, I would have never known the freedom that agility brings. So much would have been taken for granted and there are times when I long to have all that for so long I did take for granted. Nevertheless, as the sun breaks through the morning sky so too arises the joyful reminder that right now, today, back pain has subsided, tremors have almost ceased, and this body feels rested. Another opportunity to discover what is possible in this gift called life has emerged in the dawning of this new day. Gratitude waters this soul as the fruit of thankfulness ripens in this ever bearing heart!
Another day of scorching temperatures brought the steamy and tepid air to a place of constant discomfort as we navigated the out of doors from one errand to another. Bending over rendered the lumbar region seemingly raw and excruciatingly painful as puppy dishes were placed and then removed after contents were devoured. Concentration on working through the agony was eventually interrupted while sitting for choir rehearsal as the lumbar tension became tighter and the pain sharper with every breath. Acetaminophen and a welcomed night’s rest delivered this possessor of Parkinson’s symptoms to an achy, but rested morning filled with pre-planned activities. A visit with a dear friend in his welcoming outdoor garden preceded a luncheon with a recently discovered distant relative. Searching a printed genealogical chart provided by yet another cousin afforded us the opportunity to identify the connection to distant relatives from the early eighteen hundreds. Thankfulness permeated our sharing as we each told of our distant and recent journeys with family and friends. The discomfort of spinal tension was eased in the presence of gratitude for moments shared with friends and family alike. The gratitude expanded as the pain diminished ever so steadily as the day progressed. A thankful heart now supersedes any remaining discomfort as this day unfolds its blessings!
The heat and humidity seem layered on like icing on a cake. For now, there appears to be no reprieve from the residue of nature’s sauna. As the remaining four puppies await their family’s arrival during the week, they are taking advantage of the coolness of the indoor air conditioning. Frolicking and tackling one another for a few minutes soon leads to seemingly exhausted sleep for a couple of hours. Gracie still joins them in their pen at least twice each day as she dutifully attempts to clean up after them and give them just a brief taste of mother’s milk. Their sharp little claws and even sharper teeth have become natural weaning instruments. Slumbering her exhaustion away, the dutiful mom rests as she sprawls on the cool hardwood floor. Soon the household will be back to its “normal” state, free of puppies and duties there to and cherished time with pet and petting persons will resume its tranquil welcomed state. Words and thoughts of thankfulness fill this grateful heart as we gaze the sleeping majesty of the Retriever named Gracie. Such a loving and obedient pet and such a dutiful and caring mother to her brood seems a miracle to behold. This heart filled with gratitude overcomes the distractions of chronic Parkinson’s symptoms and at this moment of reflection rests in the peace that is this moment!
Spotty rain showers helped lower the temperature a few degrees as this reluctant host to PD ventured out for some late morning errands. With the first errand completed an adventure to a nearby “boutique” café near the river seemed to be beckoning my fantasy for a late morning lunch. Only a few customers occupied a small number of tables scattered about the room and the counter where orders were taken and payments exchanged. Order complete and tray in hand I proceeded to a table to await my selected specialty. With a few minutes time to wait the urge to check messages and recent postings asserted itself as I thoughtfully browsed my handy cell phone, genuinely oblivious to those nearby. The sandwich arrived and this consumer soon indulged his fantasy one bite at a time. A momentary glance away from the peculiar posting being read led me to the surprising and delightful sight of a distant cousin entering the café with her daughter. She and my father were first cousins and we had officially met the previous October at a family reunion. My face and heart lit up as they entered with a friend. We immediately recognized one another and enjoyed a “hello” hug and a few words of greeting. A few minutes later we chatted about health, happiness, and recent travels before I departed for the remainder of errands and journey back home. Memories of my father and stories of his youth came rushing into my thoughts as I savored the sight of this majestic lady well into her nineties. Feelings of gratitude and honor lifted my thoughts to utter words of thankfulness as I resumed the tasks scheduled for the remainder of the day. Gratitude again lightened the pathway of that day’s journey!
Heat and humidity engulfed the space around us as overcast skies brought a reprieve from the otherwise penetrating August sun. The man gasped for air as he explained his need for assistance moving some final objects from an apartment to a house on the north side of town. This possessor of Parkinson’s symptoms steadied himself as he listened to the desires of the man with what appeared to be chronic bronchitis standing before him. Being a moving shuttle had not been on the agenda for today, but opportunities to serve and show the grace that has been given me had been among my prayers even this morning. The man in need is a regular attendee at the “breakfast club” on Sunday mornings at the church and faithfully attends worship services as well. My view from the choir loft gives access to every face even in the absence of identified name. As I took great care descending some rather irregular and steep front steps while carrying a small table to the truck I silently wished for a breeze to help stir the humid air engulfing my face and forehead. Soon we had the few pieces that needed to be transported securely in the truck bed as we sped along our way up North Main to the man’s newly rented home. In the cool of the air conditioned truck the man told me a bit about his past and I was thankful for the opportunity to learn a bit more about the gentleman who saw my truck as a means to satisfy his need to be relocated by tomorrow. Time, place, and willingness to be helpful had provided the means by which blessings could be shared in unique and unexpected ways. We were both blessed by this morning’s encounter and grateful that the time and willingness had coalesced.
Clinging to the skin as a plastic wrap to a soup dish the morning air engulfed this aging PD host as we exited the “climate controlled” house. Soon we were speeding down the country road chilling ourselves with the flow of pressure cooled air in the vehicle designed for transport and comfort. Merging cautiously onto the bypass with vehicles speeding by we adjusted our speed to travel at a steady pace toward our planned destination. In the road ahead and in the passing lane to the left, a small box turtle was making its way toward the west ever so slowly. The creature had already made it through one lane on this fast paced roadway and was just about half way across the passing lane. If the turtle was to make the journey to a point yet to be discovered midst the forested byway, it had to make it through the highway median and another two lanes of fast paced traffic moving in the opposite direction. I wondered what the chances would be as I recalled just the week before anther box turtle on a two lane country road that was attempting a crossing as I was passing by and then discovering on my return a short while later the smashed remains of the turtle in the middle of the lane. As I sped by today’s box turtle I pondered that box turtle’s state. Was it dumb to tackle that dangerous pathway to a destination unforeseen? Or, was it brave to pursue its desires for adventure and change? Suddenly I realized that I was projecting my reasoning abilities (and sometimes lack thereof) onto a little box turtle who was doing what box turtles do; move from one place to another in search of food and or another box turtle. Sometimes, I think, the thoughts along our journey are too deep and at other times not deep enough. Today I am grateful for the ability to do what humans do; sometimes foolishly, sometimes bravely, sometimes fearfully, sometimes fearlessly, sometimes angrily, sometimes peacefully and I pray more and more often that we do things lovingly!
The notion that two or more “different” realities may exist at the same time may be somewhat explained by quantum physics. As this PD possessor has advanced in years it appears that the experience of reality personally touched must of necessity differ dramatically from that expressed and referenced by some individuals (and groups) on social media outlets expounding their notion of foundational truth. Understanding that “parallel” universes exist at what may be expressed as the same time is not new; having two realities (expressed as truthfully witnessed) occurring within the same universe is indeed perplexing. Yet, wars have been fought within the span of known civilization over such “witness” variables and interpretations of fundamental “truths”. My inclination is to dismiss such divergent “witness” as “short sighted” “wrong-minded” or otherwise ignorant. In quiet moments, however, I recall the charge to love as we are loved by the Creator of ALL the universe(s). The notion is inspiring and the inspiration is motivating, but the execution of that love is sometimes lacking in specifics. Thankful that this day provides another opportunity to uncover, discover, or otherwise unveil the specifics of love in action fills this somewhat maturing soul with a grateful heart that continues to seek. The energy to pursue the acts of love seems to arise from the heart that gives thanks and experiences gratitude for the gift of opportunity.
There is a visitor who likes to make himself at home in this host to Parkinson’s. His name is pain and he comes to visit whenever he is inclined to do so. Seldom does he call to give warning of his arrival and never does he wait for an invitation. He somewhat randomly invades his presumptive host and tends to up heave what might otherwise be a peaceful night’s sleep or otherwise relaxed moment. Sometimes as randomly as he invades he also partially departs to places unknown, much to the relief of his otherwise captive host. This uncanny visitor has a place of service when he “rings” his arrival in an otherwise healthy host. In the possessor of Parkinson’s however, he uses the bent wrought by deep brain neurological deficits as an unintended invitation to reside in places that disturb and annoy the host. Although this host is often “stimulated” to chase the host with a heart wrenching scold, he seeks instead a place of relief that comes from moving ahead with gratitude for the moments and times less affected by the invader. Thankfulness has not been the cure but has been the salve that has penetrated deep into the space of wellness that overshadows the dark cloud of the invader. For the times of relative freedom from the distasteful presence of the invader, we give thanks with a grateful heart and set about the things that show our gratitude. May gratitude be the lift that takes you to a higher place of thankfulness today!
Through the trees on the eastern horizon the dawning sun burst through like a giant red flame. A welcomed reprieve from the burdensome heat and humidity of the last few days appears to have arrived as evidenced by the ever so slight chill in the morning air. Gracie the mother Golden scurried about her business while sniffing out her seemingly random pathway to nowhere, nevertheless accomplishing her goal of elimination. Sebastian the cat munched on the freshly poured nuggets in his bowl on the porch. The pups began to raise their yapping voices in protest that a nourishing nipple could not be found. Soon the mother of eleven precious but demanding pups consumed her morning chow, rehydrated her thirsty tongue, and then assumed her loving position gathering hungry canines to her breasts. Another precious day has arrived at the farm and the quiet of the morning is host to prayer, reading, and capturing these thoughts of wonder and gratitude. This host to PD reflects in wonder. If thankfulness is indeed the substance upon which today’s pathway is built then gratitude will be the guide throughout the day.