aches
At the dawning of the sun the mist was rising from the surface of the pond. Miss Gracie the Golden was searching for a suitable spot to deliver her morning deposit as the sounds of grackles and crows were distracting her. Suddenly from the depths of the valley below the pond, a gobbling warning from a wild tom turkey arose three times. Something must have threatened the flock for such a stern warning to have erupted. Whether fox, raccoon, coyote, or snake we will not know, but we do know the warning gobbles ceased. Gracie returned to her quest for just the right spot and found the location worthy of her deposit. Life could now return to its scheduled agenda of preparing morning coffee and listening to the voracious canine consumption of the morning feed. Life frequently offers up distractions from our otherwise intended agenda. Our challenge is to discern the nature of the distraction as either inconsequential or as a warning of something being amiss. Aches and pains are considered part of the aging process and are often treated as simple distractions. Sometimes persistent pains emerge that require more than mere accommodation. They require our attention to uncover their nature and potential intention. Sometimes the source can be identified and its effect may be either eliminated or diminished. At other times the source may remain unknown and can only be addressed with palliative care. In either case a basket of gratitude from which blossoms of thankfulness may be picked lifts one’s spirit and shines a brighter light on one’s journey.
By: Cathy Garrott
I am very much looking forward to a visit from my brother and his wife … the first time in 33 years that anyone from my family has come to see me in Japan. I’ve tried to take little steps in preparation for their visit, so that I would not be stressed and exhausted by their time in my home. Here it is, 2 days before their arrival and suddenly I am dealing with stiff joints, trouble walking, exhaustion, balance. This sneaked up on me without my realizing it! Is this how it’s going to be? Is this enemy going to control the special time I’ve so been looking forward to for the past several months? I am determined to not allow it to be so!!!
Stress comes in many forms, according to my doctor. There are good things as well as bad things that give us stress. Weddings, graduations, the birth of a baby, visits from loved ones or friends that fill us with joy … each of these can produce as much stress in our body as dealing with the loss of a loved one through sickness, death, divorce, moving, etc. can dump on us. The PD body reacts to stress in many ways, and often it takes us completely by surprise. We can choose how we react and respond to it, even if we cannot control what is happening. I choose joy, thanksgiving, setting aside time to rest a bit throughout the day as needed. They will understand and help me deal with it. I can climb this mountain that looms in front of me with the love, understanding, and encouragement of my loved ones!
In the dark morning glow before the sun appeared, I spotted the two ears sprouting from the darkened orb just down the hill. Five yards further was another orb seemingly without the prominent ears. As I questioned myself whether they could be rabbits, they both leapt frantically toward the safety of the brush as Gracie the Golden Retriever sprinted in hot pursuit. A call into the rustling darkness brought the panting pup back as we concluded her morning escapade. Gulps of water from her refreshed bowl preceded her now eager chomping of the fresh morning morsels awaiting her consumption. With satiated pet now sprawled leisurely at my feet, I whisper words of thankfulness for the opportunity of another day. With agenda yet to be unfurled, a bountiful heart of gratitude awaits its arrival. Stiffness and aches have taken their place among the stones that support the foundation of this dwelling that is dedicated to living in the space of grace that has been given. No matter the weather, a beautiful day is on the horizon!
The light of the morning sun glistens through the tree tops as it rises from the East. The crisp fall air bids adieu to the days of summer. The leaves once glowing green now fall gently in the breeze, inhabited by a multitude of yellow, red, and brown hues. Fall has fully arrived and ushers in evenings around the wood burning stove and days shuffling between sweaters and short sleeved shirts. For some, the change of season brings with it stiffness, aches, and pains. For others it may usher in freedom of movement as a relief from the heat and humidity that frequently accompanies the summer sun. Whether stiff, achy, or free from either, the season rolls on with the promise of winter to come that prepares us for thankfulness when spring arrives once more. In each season is found reason for giving thanks for the life we are afforded and its opportunities for listening and learning. I in one moment detest the notion of having to remember to take my medication and be bound by its absorptive half life and in the next moment give thanks that the medication is available and, so far, effective. Such is life! It’s inconvenient to have to go to the supermarket but it is great having the family over for dinner. It would be hard to accomplish one without the other. Sometimes inconveniences provide opportunities.