As I peer through the windows at the green, yellow, and brown toned leaves flapping in the autumn breeze, I am today remembering those same leaves as vibrant green in the spring and summer. I recall that when a child my shoes, shirt, and long pants were shed for shorts as soon as school was out for that season. Those seemingly restrictive items of clothing were used only for Sunday school and special occasions. Autumn meant a loss of freedom to wander the farm and the woodlands unrestricted by garments and need for warmth from the cooling air. Now far from those days of childhood the feelings of loss try to insinuate themselves as the overcast skies prompt an apparent gloom on the yellowing autumn landscape. Parkinson’s disease has brought with it symptoms of stiffness and movement restrictions that now being experienced in the autumn add to those feelings of loss of freedom. A seemingly easy task for which I volunteered yesterday turned into a major physical challenge that was taxing yet a blessing and joy as those for whom the service was rendered received great joy. The childhood experience became less and less an issue as I moved on to different tasks with school and life on the farm. I learned that those tasks were of no less value (to me or to others), just different. In this autumn, here and now, I am grateful for the experience that taught me that what I am able to accomplish now has no less value. It is just different. Tasks now may require a different accommodation than before. Chores may take a bit longer than previous times. As I ponder the things yet to be done I embrace those thoughts with a thankful heart that fills with joy.
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