Disdains:
Finding the small broken shells from the redbird’s nest on the steps near the birdfeeder. Cursed blue jays! Why does it always have to be blue vs. red?
Delights:
Helping my son tie a bowtie in preparation for his senior prom. Now that’s a Parkinson’s stress exercise!
Giving him a set of monogramed cufflinks to wear to the prom. A dad moment.
Watching him depart, with a smile, his prior doubts dispelled about his chances of getting a date with a certain girl.
Hearing the gravel crunch on the drive as he arrived home, safe and sound. Thank God for no late night car issues, crashes, etc.
Learning from an ultrasound scan early in the week that I don’t have liver or pancreatic cancer. Yes! Now, I just need to figure out that platelet problem. I suspect Parkinson’s to be the culprit. My ancient foe . . .
Reducing the rigidity in my throat muscles by changing the dosing regimen of a Parkinson’s med. Nothing like self-experimentation. I am a notorious micro-doser and minimalist when taking medications hence my functioning kidneys after years of having been prescribed tons of drugs.
Conducting an afternoon meeting in a coffee shop with an important business contact while retaining my ability to speak clearly and think coherently. Â Sort of like walking and chewing gum at the same time . . .
Starting to read Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry. He joins my current stack of bedside books.
Discovering eggs in the nest built by a house finch couple on my front porch. Thinking of charging them for room and board.
Spotting a large solid black velvety bunny rabbit grazing in the back yard. Unusual color around here in that they are normally some shade of brown. She has been out almost each morning this week much to the chagrin of my dachshund.
Hi Tommy - I read this very early one morning - after another Parkie broken sleep. The piece about your son made me weep - something so other times American about the whole scene with an extra poignant twist of your negotiating his tie with PD.
And that relief when they come back - I know that well.
Thanks for sharing such a personal story so tellingly told