Love- 2019 Parkinson’s Awareness Month

“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.” Nicholas Sparks

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.” Paulo Coelho

The word is love: For the remainder of April, as part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the theme will showcase inspirational quotes. The goal is to offer you a quote that helps to reinforce your daily approach to life with Parkinson’s. Alternatively, use these quotes to bolster the resolve of your life-Coach/Care Partner. Every life-step with Parkinson’s is a balancing act that is slowly evolving, subtly changing, but it is always present. May these quotes support your daily walk in the presence of Parkinson’s.

Love in your life: Loretta Young said, “Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.” Every sense and feeling you possess recognize love when it’s in your life. Love may be the most ‘wanted’ feeling, likely it’s very much an ‘over-used’ expression; however, love is something we always seek in our lives.

There are many different kinds of love and how it intersects our lives. Here are five examples. Unconditional love is a dog’s slobbery-kiss as you let her inside from being outside all day. Love of sports and camaraderie that brings four friends together most every Sunday to play golf, regardless of the weather conditions. A profound love and happiness with your career that it keeps you going every day for decades. True love is someone wishing you a safe trip as you drive to visit them. Love with sincerest feelings is seeing the joy in someone’s face and the twinkle in their eyes when you agree to teach them how to play golf.

“What you accomplish in your life matters tremendously. However, your life-advances matter more with love attached. Love adds more meaning and significance to your world. Love embraces, and it makes a difference in your life. As George Sand said, ‘There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.’” Frank Church

Love in your life in the presence of Parkinson’s: Bill Russell said, “To love someone is nothing, to be loved by someone is something, to love someone who loves you is everything,” Our life can be filled by love even with Parkinson’s. Let me qualify that last sentence. It takes a unique partner that recognizes your depth of character, even in the presence of your constant chaperone named Parkinson’s. This comment from Michael J. Fox always makes me smile,“So what I say about Tracy is this: Tracy’s big challenge is not having a Parkinson’s patient for a husband. It’s having me for a husband. I happen to be a Parkinson’s patient.”

Your partner must have patience, tolerance to your subtle changes, and accept your always available dinner companion named Parkinson’s. There’s no doubt that your disorder will work hard to make you both feel uncomfortable in its presence. Do your best to stand your ground because love enriches your life. Love helps you manage the difficulties that come with Parkinson’s, and it brings additional meaning and significance to life. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

From the Journey with Parkinson’s: “I remain steadfast in trying to resist the stranglehold of this disorder. I keep hopeful and positive, which is definitely preferable to being dismal and negative. I refuse to give up, I may bend in the throes of this battle; however, there is still much to live for, much to work for, much to love for, and so I keep going. ” Frank C. Church

“I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.” Og Mandino

Cover photo credit: https://www.johnscheepers.com/flower-bulbs-index/tulips/triumph/tulip-bastogne.html

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