Journey with Parkinson’s: Happy Thanksgiving

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” Meister Eckhart

A Thought at Thanksgiving: According to Wikipedia, “Thanksgiving (in the United States) As the name implies, the theme of the holiday generally revolves around giving thanks with the centerpiece of most celebrations being a Thanksgiving dinner.” Thus, it gives us time to reflect on who and what maters most n our lives.

As the years progress, the likely list of those who should receive our gratitude is extensive. Some passed through our lives once and momentarily, some shared decades of life experiences with you, and others are present in your life today. They all deserve your gratitude; they should receive a thought for sharing their time with you. Susan is steadfast in her effort to help me, as much of a stubborn ‘pain in the ass’ as I can be; she keeps trying, and I am most appreciative of her effort to understand and help me live with Parkinson’s. My family remains in the loop, trying to grasp the details of what is happening to me. Several close friends are always there to talk to and help me live. Many readers of this blog respond with heartfelt notes and say they are doing the best they can.

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” Margaret Cousins

Being Grateful at Thanksgiving: These words below began a few years ago in the blog post entitled Happy Thanksgiving from Journey with Parkinson’s, continued in Happy Thanksgiving and have been expanded here in 2024.

Our lives are crafted on principles that likely include honesty, trust, effort, determination, knowledge, love, passion, and wisdom. These principles are the guiding light that shape our experiences, helping us gather and gain knowledge from many situations. They forge our grit and determination and give us the mettle to live on through pain, loss, and hurt. We use this knowledge to weather the storms of illness that confront us all as we age.

Parkinson’s is but one of many different diseases that seem to seek out older adults; it seeks refuge in our brains, and it has a mission to slowly integrate and take our well-meaning lives to attempt to make us only mimics of our former selves. But we still have the willpower and determination to try to battle on and resist these changes over time. However, we cannot do it alone. It takes your heart-filled grit and determination, and the unwavering support of those nearest you to bolster this effort. Thus, be thankful for this help because it is immeasurable.

The Parkinson’s diagnosis brings a grim reality to the day.
The possibility of going back to before the diagnosis is nonexistent.
Yet, you have much of your life to live; it’s not over. Getting through the diagnosis will require much strength, commitment, and effort. But remember, you are not alone. There will be many along the way who will support you, love you, and offer their help.
Recognizing these people as they come into your life, acknowledging them, and being grateful for their kindness, love, and help is essential. As your life changes and Parkinson’s moves in, remember, you have the power of resilience. You will use your wits to defend yourself against the challenges this disease brings.

As your life continues to evolve in the presence of Parkinson’s, you remain present. The basis of your inner being is still present, the background of your essence still intact, and this is what will be recognized by those who care the most about you and those who have given their heart to you.  These are the few people who will stand tall for you in times of need, in times of difficulty, and in the moments of the unexpected nature of Parkinson’s.
Gratitude to those people will go a long way to enabling your life and securing your evolution in time.

Living with Parkinson’s can have daily challenges.
Dealing with both motor and non-motor symptoms can complicate your life.
Deciding how one approaches this daily life challenge of Parkinson’s can be complicated.
And if it is difficult for you, think of those that help you enable this life of yours.

Be thankful for what we currently have.
Be grateful for those who help you daily in small and large ways.
Be aware of the one who loves you, and give them thanks, recognizing that being with you (sometimes) is a more complex task in their daily life.
Thank your co-workers who contribute to your wellness, emotional health, and mental strength.

Thank your friends; they make you laugh and willingly join your journey.
Thank your family for their unrelenting support, caring, and love. It matters.

Whenever I meet someone with Parkinson’s, I appreciate our shared bond. I understand our burden better, and I admire your courage and strength.
Thank you for reading this blog. It gives me strength every day.

Stay healthy, be safe, and don’t ever give up!
Happy Thanksgiving

“Every day is a day to be thankful. Life’s abundance has no limit, and gratitude is what keeps that abundance flowing. In every circumstance there is something for which to be thankful. Even when there seems to be nothing else, there is hope.” Ralph Marston

Cover Photo Image by Michi from Pixabay