host
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!
The scratching and crackling had become all too prevalent just over the two front windows. A windstorm two weeks ago rendered the siding over the eaves tattered and torn. Just a slight gust of wind sent the ripped metal pieces flapping against the house or roof in noisy protest. Something more seemed to be going on and the suspects were a pair of red winged blackbirds who were possibly commandeering an out of the weather space to build a nest. As the repairman went about his task of replacing the poorly constructed eaves covering from forty years ago, this reluctant host to PD went about the task of completing his agenda. The doorbell sounded and this stiff legged shuffler made his way to the waiting door. Held firmly in the hand of the repairman was a well crafted nest containing five small eggs and several black feathers. The nest had been exposed as the old siding was being removed to make way for the replacement. We were both concerned about the potential blackbird family and knew there was no way to return the nest to its pre-discovery state. Hoping for the best, the nest and its bright orbs was placed securely in the grand old pecan tree near the house. The nesting pair may never return, but we are thankful that there was a place high off the ground in which the painstakingly crafted nursery could be placed. Even as the normal process of life is sometimes interrupted there are moments and spaces of opportunity that emerge. We can only hope that the red winged pair discovers the new location of the opportunity to continue their process of family building!