gratitude
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.
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.
The condensation on the windows and glass doors obscures the view of the bright morning sun. A balm of humidity engulfs one as steps are taken from inside the well modulated air conditioned house onto the otherwise inviting porch. What appears to be inviting from inside proves to be nearly unbearable when the invitation is accepted as globs of humid and hot air consume the space around. Fleeting memories of childhood days and summers at the old farmhouse where the air was conditioned only in the shade of the open windows and endured in the absence of pants, shirt, and shoes come rushing by. The “free-range” chickens are already busy clawing and pecking in the newly spread mulch around the giant maple trees as the attentive and tired mother of pups takes her leave in the distant meadow. Just these few minutes rocking in the porch swing midst the steamy summer air starts to elicit a glisten of uncomfortable compensation for a body exposed to the reality of summer. Grateful that the mechanically cooled house afforded a comfortable and relatively uninterrupted sleep, the yawning grandpa, calls for the return of the mother Golden to her cool station with her healthy litter. PD symptoms subdued in the presence of much needed rest, this grateful heart returns to his coffee and pursuit of another day whose agenda though planned will unfold even if and as challenges arise. Thankfulness is the substance upon which today’s pathway is built.
The light of a new day peeks through the warm and humid haze that hovers along the hillside. Not stricken with the urgency of a “to do” list just yet this aging bearer of delayed motor function observes the calm beauty of the early morning. Pups and mommy lie peacefully together in their pen with little more than an occasional moan of satisfaction arising from the litter. Even the chickens that often roam the yard in search of delectable crawly creatures have not found their way from their barnyard abode. Reflection of the past two weeks sends me to a place of thankfulness for tasks accomplished that have moved loved ones along a pathway to new adventures. Sebastian, the cat has made himself know by scratching and meowing at the door for some supplemental morsels that supersede the mice and vole engorgement he demonstrates with his swagging belly. Soon the chores of another day will demand attention, but for now, the wonder of this gift called life is savored in this mindful cauldron that is stirred by the beauty of the moment in touch with the creator and sustainer. Gratitude is the salve that soothes even the prickly pokes that challenge what we wish to always be a smooth and non-painful journey. Blessings come in assorted containers, some easier to open than others, but always filled to the brim!
The roadway was drenched as torrents of rain descended and the sound of the wipers working frantically to brush the water aside seemed to add to the tightening tension of this Parkinson’s possessing grandpa driving the rental truck in northeast Florida. Four gracious fellows had taken less than two hours to load the truck that morning and we began our journey well before Noon. Eight hours later we were in north Georgia and ready for some replenishing sleep before completing the second leg of the 835 mile journey. Arrival at the farm was a blessing and a relief. The truck was soon unloaded and Father’s Day was blessed with a family cookout and a near collapse onto the bed for a thankful night’s sleep. An early rise filled the air with anticipation of my daughter’s arrival that was anticipated that evening. Soon, she would arrive with her cargo in tow and make this week long preparation and journey toward broader family relocation a reality. Gracie, fraught with puppies and slow of movement, began to pant and moan. Puppy number one showed her face and thus began the evening’s journey of little sleep and extended sounds of puppy whines and mommy moans as one after another after another began to make its appearance. With daughter and family welcomed, fed and relieved to have safely made the journey, the humans all retired for a restful night’s sleep. At seven the next morning, eleven of nature’s blessings had arrived and were eagerly seeking the nipple of triumph for which each had to wait its turn. This sleep deprived possessor of Parkinson’s was filled with gratitude as prayers of thankfulness were offered for the miracles that the last forty eight hours had wrought. Now seven more of the human family is closer by to visit with and share love and eleven more beautiful Golden Retrievers begin their journey of growth in preparation for their “forever” homes! I was reminded that even tired old codgers find renewal in new life and new adventures!
The train whistle blows in the distance as the sound of far off traffic penetrates the stillness of the space around me. My daughter’s dog snores rhythmically as she has perched herself securely in the middle of the would-be sofa. With granddaughter still sleeping off her late night television extravaganza this grandpa, who willfully addresses the management of invasive Parkinson’s symptoms, takes in the stillness of this morning before a major change. The tragedy in Orlando the weekend before and the televised and published bickering and adamant fault finding lingers heavy in the background. Tomorrow begins the journey of moving loved ones from South Florida to North Carolina. The journey promises to be long and perhaps tedious at times as I will be one of those driving the truck along that journey. We have attempted to embrace as many plans and preparations as the mind could fathom for this trip and thankfulness is becoming the companion that is soothing the otherwise anxious anticipation of any unexpected challenges. With the end of the journey in mind and all parties safely seeking their respective destination goals, we are discovering the power of gratitude as we navigate each route.
Passing showers had dampened our way and tightly congested roadways had made the journey from the mountaintop to the rolling hills of Connecticut a tedious challenge. The patio and pool deck were abuzz with hugs, greetings and laughter as family and friends had gathered to celebrate family and commemorate the life of nephew Joey and support the foundation his father had founded in his memory that gives financial support to folks living with the challenges of cancer. Family from age one to 92 hovered securely beneath the canopies as the rain came down in virtual torrents. The joy of being together again in one place superseded any complaints about the weather as folks gathered closer to hear the challenges and victories experienced over the past year. As the sun shone brightly warming the freshly mowed greens at the golf club, the rain from the previous evening was but a faint memory overshadowed by the joy of family fun together. Hundreds of folks had gathered to support the foundation and honor the memory of Joey. The storms had passed and bright sunshine exposed nature’s bounty as the golf tournament was played, raffle tickets were sold, and food was shared with still more friends and relatives. The banquet that evening, though sumptuous, was incidental to the thrill of seeing the grant funds being given to those who needed the support that the memory of Joey had funded and to witness the grace and poise with which his dad both gave and received recognition for acts of love well executed. The joy of that day and the testimony of love and thankfulness for the value of life even in the presence of life threatening challenges allowed gratitude its ascent far above the aches and stiffness that accompany the unseemly diagnosis named Parkinson’s.