rigidity
The light through the bedroom window seemed bright, even as the closed blinds obscured the view. Wake from a restful sleep led this unwitting host to Parkinson’s presence to perceive that a full night of rest had been tucked into his body between the warm and welcoming sheets. A glance at the clock on the kitchen stove indicated that less than a full night’s sleep had been tucked away last evening. Nevertheless, this mind and body was rested and energized in a way unlike the last few mornings. Aches and pains had subsided and stiffness was less prominent than we have grown accustomed to. Ingestion of the morning meds that has become the habitual norm was accomplished and Gracie the Golden was granted her early morning relief run through the yard and garden. Frost had accumulated on the automobile windows and the grassy fields beyond. Winter’s grasp was not yet relaxed even as several days of spring had teased their way into the region. Internally, there exists today a “freedom” that has not been experienced in some time. It is a freedom from some symptoms that had almost become the norm; those of stiffness, rigidity, “foggy” perception of the day with a bent toward the drowsy. Today, the return of freedom from those pesky perpetrators of ennui and a mind not overwhelmed with the struggle of movement at every turn. Gratitude has been the engine that has driven each day prior, but today it is the rocket ship that propels this thankful heart and mind to rejoice in every moment of this glorious gift that used to be termed as “normal”.
As variations in intensity of the rain pelting the tin roof of the old farm house gives evidence of nature’s force, thunder roars in the distance. Prognosticators warned of today’s varied intensities of much needed rain for the region. The newly planted garden is saved from well water and is instead soaked in nature’s bounty from above. Gracie, the pampered Golden nestles her head against the sofa as we wait out the passing deluge. We embrace the sunshine and warmth there from and sometimes lament its loss when the storms arise. However, the storms are as vital a part of nature’s bounty as is the sunshine. Both have their place in the ongoing outpouring of the blessing we call life. As Parkinson’s disease has taken up residence in this current inhabitant of the farmhouse, we have had to exercise the notion of acceptance that varied symptoms are a evidence of the invader’s continued presence. Like shelter from the storm keeps one drier and cooler or warmer, addressing the constellation of untoward symptoms with preparation is note worthy. Sometimes the storms arise quickly and seemingly without warning. At other times one can sense the ominous arrival of the storm as changes in resistance, flexibility, and involuntary movements and even gait emerge. Making hay while the sun shines is a well known farming fact and productivity metaphor and one to be wisely executed in the life of the one desiring to thrive. Response to the blessing of opportunity is best expressed with the embrace of gratitude and action in the direction the opportunity affords. Gratitude, like sunshine, helps one through the bouts of drizzle and deluge that might otherwise wash away rather than nurture. May your garden thrive in the soil of gratitude that is enriched by the down pouring of thankfulness midst the presence of opportunity!
Chill permeates the space between the walls in the old farm house. Visions of spring flirt with moments of warmth interspersed with the cool expanse of an overcast day. As sunlight reigns longer each day, opportunities for nature’s bounty spring forth and blossom to bear its fruit and feed the birds and bees that rely so heavily upon it. Each morning brings with it seemingly endless challenges accompanied by equally abundant opportunities. The host to Parkinson’s, like the bearer of other chronic and persistent invaders knows too well the challenges of movement, agility, and flexibility that are daily reminders that what we perceive as wellness is so often a gift that is taken for granted. Beside the seemingly rough waters of challenge lies the shore of opportunity upon which possibilities emerge and flourish. Like the trees that thrive along the banks of the stream, opportunities for growth and change draw sustenance from the roots penetrating into the waters of challenge. The challenge of movement presents the opportunity to test the limits and rewards of exercise. The challenge of loss presents the opportunity to appreciate and negotiate a new or different pathway along which new and different outcomes may be experienced. Not every challenge is so easily viewed as an opportunity, but every opportunity when viewed through the prism of gratitude renders a new perspective from which accomplishments may be observed. The canvas comes alive as the artist uses the brush of thankfulness to create new and beautiful works from the tones of challenge and opportunity in the light of gratitude!
Delighted by the brightness of the sun drenched snow we celebrate the end of the storm that brought the now deep white rendering. We found beauty in the falling white powder and sense of relief when the blowing drifts no longer piled high against the house. Thankful that the furnace functions and the old wood stove serves its purpose to exude heat from the burning goods inside, we find a place of contentment with books and periods of expressions of our gratitude. Knowing challenges of shoveling and making pathways lie ahead, we all the more express our thankfulness for sunshine to brighten the way. Knowing that the beauty of snow may soon easily turn to challenging sheets of ice, we make our plans to tackle the chores that soon demand our presence. Stiffness aches, and a few creaks and cracks of this Parkinson’s possessing participant will have their say, but nonetheless, we determine, shall not deter! Shored with the boots of gratitude and the cloak of thankfulness, mind, body, and snow will be justly moved to make way for tomorrow’s tasks. And this praising participant is all the more thankful for today’s opportunity to face the challenge!
The western sky emits a pinkish hue as the dusting of snow brightens the landscape on this cold winter morning. Another storm is predicted to arrive tomorrow with potentially ominous amounts of snow in its path. The normal chatter of crows in the field is absent as even the birds seem to be hovering close to maintain their warmth. Sunshine is predicted for the day to precede the downpour of snow. We cherish the brightness before the storm. As prepared as we know to be for what may come, we settle in for routine chores and tasks required of residents in the old farm house. Still waking from the shadow of a hard night’s sleep, this unwilling host to Parkinson’s disease contemplates the need for gratitude versus rumination in the presence of stiffness, rigidity, and lumbar pain. Focus on the unwanted only heaps on layers of stress and underlying anger at “my state” whereas intentional focus on thoughts of gratitude lifts me from a place of potential despair to one of peace. Crude and trite thoughts of thankfulness that embrace the notion that “it could be worse” or “look at what others experience” have little foundation upon which this journeyman may rest. Instead, genuine expressions of thankfulness for the victories in challenges past and yet to come serve as fertile soil in which hope may grow and a harvest of gratitude may be gathered. Recognizing this life as a process of living out one’s core of faith rather than the simple experience of an event renders a vista to a whole new landscape. This traveler is discovering the joy of living in the light of gratitude in this journey that is life!
The sweltering morning heat and humidity engulfs even as we open the door to accomplish some outside chores. Lush and green, the grass seems to sparkle as the dew lingers in the mid-morning shade. Gracie, seemingly delighted to have a puppy reprieve, frolics freely through the field searching out morsels and just the right spot to accomplish nature’s call. As I trek toward the nearly overgrown garden, the trusty canine companion makes her way to join with me as she “oversees” my harvest gathering. Two ripe tomatoes appear to have sustained a rabbit over night, so they are left in place in hopes that already tasted renderings will be sufficient to keep the harvest sharer from the greater goods. Testing the boundaries of this Parkinson’s rigidity, we squat and bend to search out maturing cucumbers for the delightful jars of sweet pickles that enhance sandwiches throughout the winter. Grateful for the harvest, we gather a bag full that has ripened since yesterday. Readjusting to a steady standing position, this thankful taker of the summer’s bounty walks with his ever caring canine companion slowly back to the cool reprieve of the air conditioned old farmhouse. As we put away the small harvest gathering of the morning we express grateful prayers for the opportunities to experience this day’s possibilities.
Dark and overcast, the delivery truck unloaded the drywall in the middle of the driveway. Anxious about the ominous look in the sky and wanting to avoid a wet investment, our neighbor and I began to slowly move the largest pieces into the shelter of the space where it would be used. Previously unaware of the weight of large drywall sheets I strained and inwardly groaned as we moved each piece with the delicacy required to avoid cracking or tearing. After accomplishing approximately ten percent of the task at hand, this reluctant participant in Parkinson’s disease and its attending rigidity and stiffness was aching from head to toe. Anxiety was on the rise as I wondered how I was going to accomplish this seemingly herculean task in a timely fashion. Suddenly a neighbor’s friend arrived to say hello. My compatriot quickly solicited the help of the newly arrived friend and the task that appeared minutes before to be so ominous was complete in short order. Effusive expressions of gratitude were showered verbally upon the two sturdy conveyers of drywall this day. Thankfulness welled up inside as I silently thought of the burden I had been spared by the arrival of helping hands. Though throbbing and sore from the strain exerted already, I am grateful and content that provision was made by the hands of a friend and a stranger. Today’s dose of gratitude shall provide nourishment for days to come!
Sun brightens the day as the wind brings much welcomed warmth to the farmland. The goats and chickens revel in the sprigs of fresh grass emerging from the still chilled but moist earth. Grubs, earthworms and tiny blossoms serve as the foundation for orange rich yokes in the freshly laid eggs. Trees and shrubs are sending forth their springtime buds that will soon blossom into full flowers bearing witness to spring’s arrival. We wholeheartedly embrace the new found warmth knowing that yet more days of deep chill are yet to manifest themselves. Even so, we greet this warm reprieve with a mind filled with gratitude. Thankful for relief from the icy cold of winter, we enjoy that which is today’s gift. We are reminded in the throes of untoward symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that relief of rigidity and resting tremor comes and goes like the change in seasons. A grateful heart greets the relief of symptoms as surely as the budding daffodils greet the warmth of spring.
Overcast and windy, the day presents itself warmer than it appearance. The winds of March are arriving well before their calendar schedule as evidenced by the whirling sound around the old farmhouse crevices. Let loose from the indoor confines of the evening, Gracie races in circles until nature calls her to its business. Today’s agenda is full even as desire is only half there. Stiffness and rigidity will need to be circumvented by perseverance and tenacity. Visions of what it will be like once the tasks are done are beginning their insinuation as fuel for motivation. This old dog is using old tricks to tackle new problems. Today’s victories will be tomorrow’s memories that act as fuel for thankfulness.