The JF&CS Parkinson’s Community Quilt
Written by: Stepheny Riemer
The morning cruise began with a sunny, clear sky and balmy warm wind on my boat. My compass course was set and each waypoint was charted to mark the way to my ultimate destination. Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease threw me off course like a sudden and unforeseen ominous storm with impending darkness consumed by fog, rain, and ten-foot seas.
The initial sight of the darkening sky above, along with the distant view through the radar indicated an impending and unpredictable storm with certain turbulence and uncertain outcome.
I was determined to get through the storm without pounding into rocks, without sinking the ship, or going aground. But to hedge my bet, I put on my life jacket so in case the boat began to sink; I would have the buoyancy for a chance to survive the plunge.
I changed my compass course and attempted to steer the boat to a smoother direction, constantly checking the radar for distant options. With perseverance I would endure the burden of the uncontrollable weather and “the diagnosis.” I must take action.
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