“Call it a clan, Call it network. Call it a tribe. Call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” Jane Howard
My tremor wakes me this morning. My body feels like a block of cement as I attempt to roll out of bed. I’ve had a restless night of sleep after trying to loosen up my body with yoga stretches. My first thought ISN’T that I am thankful for having Parkinson’s. In fact, you might hear me mutter under my breath, “I HATE this *&^%$#@*&+*% disease.”
However, with today being American Thanksgiving and in my attempt to transform myself into a “glass-half-full” kind of gal, I find myself reflecting and giving thanks.
I'm thankful for my husband, Tom, for standing by me through thick and thin
for the past thirty-five years.
I am blessed to have my Family Community, with my family living in Kansas City and Texas, and Tom’s family living in Colorado and Wisconsin.
I am grateful for my Community of Friends for their never-ending support and many fun times.
I’m thankful for my Blog Community whose encouragement motivates me to continue writing.
I am fortunate to have a Parkinson’s Community, especially Valerie Graham, with her optimism and hope, and her ability to always turn a lemon into a lemonade.
I'm thankful for the dogged determination of those living with Parkinson’s and their families. I am inspired by their spirit.
I am touched to be recognized for my volunteer work in the Parkinson’s and DBS Communities through the Channel 7 Everyday Hero award. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in Parkinson’s Disease Foundation’s Clinical Research Learning Institute in New Jersey.
I'm thankful for the dedicated Community of Researchers who WILL find a cure for Parkinson's.
I'm appreciative of the outstanding care that I receive from the Medical Community, with their competence and compassion, especially Dr. Olga Klepitskaya.
I am delighted to be involved in a Yoga Community in particular, with yoga teachers, Paul Zeiger, Carolyn Zeiger and Jinger Stuckey, and thank them for helping me stretch my body and mind.
I am grateful to have an Accordion Community in the Aman family and the Silver Notes for their patience and encouragement despite my slow and shaky fingers.
And last but certainly not least, I am blessed to be involved in a Dance Community with the Rockyettes. When I was forced to retire because of having Parkinson’s in 2006, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would be dancing in 2007. It was more than coincidence that I found the Rockyettes, in particular, the director, Ann Kennedy. Dancing with them has been a pleasure and a privilege. It keeps me moving, challenges me to be all that I can be and allows me to share my joy of dancing.
I am grateful for All the Communities that have helped me a long the way.
Thank you everyone. I am blessed to have you in my life.
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