Silence is Sometimes Golden - Knowing When to be Silent

Life can really knock you around some days. Sometimes while you are still reeling from the first punch, the 2^nd, 3^rd, or 4^th one come right behind it. You can’t even catch your breath, let alone get back on your feet before you are knocked down again, and just when you think it can get no worse, you get “encouraged” by someone who really should learn the art of silence.

If You Want Me To

I am really beginning to hate the month of June (which is unusual for an educator). Between this month and the month of April, I regularly seem to get news or experience things, I never wanted to. Maybe we can just start skipping this month.

 

The Anniversary I Never Wanted

Life is full of momentous events. We mark dates on the calendar to celebrate happy occasions – weddings, births, graduations – days set aside to celebrate those milestones in life. Today is one of those days for me. It is a day of remembrance of a life changing event. A day reminding me of something that forever changed my future. The “Anniversary” that I never wanted.

We Must Seek To Understand Another's Experience

I sat across from him, just staring in disbelief. Had he really just said that? “Your struggle is just physical, it’s not emotional.” The words played over and over in my head, and I just bit my tongue, because no response at that point would be a good one.

 

Our Blind Spot: Missing Opportunities Right In Front Of You

So many things on my to do list today. I run from one "important" task to another, and just cannot stop. I have dozens of meetings, tasks I need to accomplish, places I need to go, and responsibilities that need my attention. My task list is long, and my day will be even longer, I just don’t have time…

Buckle Up For The Roller Coaster Ride

Watch your step as you enter the ride. Make sure your seatbelt is tight and the shoulder restraints are locked in place. Keep all body parts inside the car, and enjoy the ride. A rollercoaster is one of the most accurate descriptions of a life with Parkinson’s. One minute you are chugging along up the hill and then the bottom drops out and you are in a freefall. This up and down continues until the ride is over, and often, the same can be said for life.

A Hell of Heaven, and a Heaven of Hell

Am I still a good father? How do I still function as a husband? How can I still be a good dad and husband? Am I putting too much on them and others? Am I still being a good friend? How can I keep up at work? Questions after question after question pours through my mind – doubts swirl, and once again, I am left wondering these and so many other questions, trapped in the “hell” of my mind.