The Lift

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!