warmth
Overcast and gloomy, the sky looks ominously like it is about to let loose its bounty of moisture. Rain, snow, or a daunting mix of both may be forthcoming as the day progresses. Armed with a hefty stack of Carolina cut wood and a trusty stove in which it burns, one would think this time is for hunkering down to a weekend reflection at the old farm house. Ever so grateful for the hunkering option, we choose instead to venture out to the local theater to view a live broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera. Eager to meet friends and enjoy the warmth of the theater, we are ever so grateful for the opportunity about to unfold. This thankful aging youngster (in self-perception only) is overjoyed that rigidity, tremor, and lost agility are not barriers, but rather slight impediments to be acknowledged only in the moment of their appearance. It is amazing how a heart of gratitude can change a thought of woe into a head full of “wow”. A mind full of thanks is the ticket for admission to the theater of joy that awaits a curtain call each day!
Moments of bright sun peeked through the overcast sky as the temperature rose to a shirt sleeve welcoming degree. The chill still permeated the house and the burnable firewood was getting low. A bounty of twelve to fourteen inch cut logs lay temptingly on the deck. They were too large to burn in the old cast iron stove. Determined to take the chill from the house, this seemingly sturdy “baby boomer” located the axe and marched toward the luring logs. Placing the first candidate in its upright position and with axe in hand and visions of my youthful agility, I slammed the axe head squarely in the middle of the waiting log. With a single blow the log split in half. The two halves met the same fate and burnable quarters were stacked neatly awaiting their flaming fate. Grabbing gleefully another log, the trusty old back began to offer some resistance. That resistance served only as fuel for this determined old log splitter possessed with a youthful self-vision as he made quarters of yet another waiting log. Suddenly, a wakeup call rang loudly to the self deluded possessor of the axe who was now stiffened in agony with a degree of numbing pain. A stumbling trot to the waiting recliner in proximity to the warming stove proved to be the welcoming platform for pain relief. As the numbness dissipated, determination revisited and this denier of self defeat marched back to the luring logs. Four more logs met their fate until once again the stiffness and pain returned to usher this splitter to reclining relief. As the pain subsided to a faint memory, this mind was taken to a place of gratitude for relief and for split logs awaiting the stove. As another day has dawned, visions of splitting more logs have come to rest on this thankful mind. As heat exudes from the faithful old stove the warmth of gratitude radiates from within this thankful heart.
Our granddaughter came bursting from the arrivals gate with arms extended to be met by welcoming hugs. The glee on her face gave light to memories etched in the fabric of a lifetime. The long drive to the farmhouse was filled with accounts of Christmas day and the weeks and months preceding. Joyfully expressing her anticipation at seeing her other grandfather, she impatiently urged the drivers ahead to speed up or move to the side. Finally parked at our country destination, she sprang from the jeep like a “Jack in the box” to begin the long awaited greeting of gramps and animals, not to mention the plethora of presents. In a few short days she will be returning to her daily routine of school, homework, and dance rehearsal, but for now, she can enjoy the indulgence of grandparents and animals galore that enjoy sharing in her presence. Like so many days before, PD symptoms take a back seat to the joys of life this moment and the abilities yet remaining. The air is warmed this day by the flow of gratitude that wells from a heart touched by grace.
Waves of falling rain pounce firmly on the tin roof giving birth to a calming rhythmic sound. A random crackle from the cast iron stove is a reminder of the warmth being generated from within. Light is slowly invading the overcast dawn illuminating the replenishing shower over the glistening pond. Morning has come and with it the opportunity for discovering new possibilities within God’s gift of grace. As this day unfolds so do the possible challenges that lie ahead. None will be greater, however, than the call to gratitude for each step taken and each breath drawn. As this day moves further from its dawn, the recollection of its peaceful arrival provides substance to whatever will be served on today’s plate. May your day unfold in gratitude and grace as you step into its warm embrace.
Waves of heat radiate from the modest cast iron stove spreading warmth throughout the room as the summer gathered logs burn steadily within. In warmer weather, doors to adjacent rooms are left open to partially circulate the warmth, taking away the chill. As temperatures plummet outside in the grip of winter, supplemental heat is required to maintain a reasonably hospitable state in the house. Whether wood stove alone or stove plus its helper, heat is required to maintain a cozy abode in the fall and winter here at the farm in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. In a similar fashion, one living with Parkinson’s disease requires supplemental “fuel” to replenish the diminished levels of dopamine produced by the brain. Dopamine, an essential chemical in the transmission of nerve impulses, is not being produced at sufficient levels deep in the brain of those challenged by PD. To do its job, dopamine is best used when given off by the “stove” in the brain and that presents a problem. The brain maintains a barrier to substances that are too large. Medications that mimic dopamine are sometimes taken, but are only effective for a while. Since the brain needs the “real deal” fuel that contains the hardwood needed for the fire has to be taken eventually. Since only a portion of that hardwood is able fit through the brain’s barrier, the rest is left to clutter other pathways. That clutter is most often known as side-effects. PD challenged persons strive to maintain a steady stream of transmitters that provide for optimal degrees of movement. Keeping the doors of exercise and mental agility open helps to spread the supply of comfort from the trove of transmitters that radiate from the brain’s stoked stove. Today I am grateful for fuel and a well burning stove!