 |
 |
To my list family, I find myself still reflecting on my past week from June 4th-11th. I was one of the pwps included in the project of building a Habitat for Humanity. On Sunday the 4th we all met at Mike and Mary's church to meet new pwps that I had not met and get reaquainted with the ones I had met at previous meetings in Joan's hometown of Chillicothe, IL. I had a caregiver friend of mine from church (Loretta) drive me to Morganton. It is a 45 mile drive from Statesville, my home town. I did not get to spend as much time with everyone as I would have liked; but the time I did share was unforgettable. My heart is fuller and my mind wiser from this experience. I was able to be a part of raising the first wall of the house being built. It so empowered my spirit and humbled me as well. The recipient couple of the home Jim and Christy, both physically challenged and wheelchair bound so inspired me by their devoted attendance at the building site each day of the week. I learned a lot about their illnesses and they learned about pd. I recall at one time my body was being ravaged with a bout of dyskinesia that lasted for about an hour and a half. Christy reached over and embraced my hand. She held it until the dyskinesia subsided. She gave me encouraging words such as "hang in there", "it will be over soon". It is amazing and beautiful to me how our minds and hearts connected. Due to the separation by miles that Morganton is from Statesville I clocked close to 700 miles on my car. I am forever thankful the Lord enabled me to travel that mileage safely. On wednesday the7th we gathered together for a barbecue meal. We had more time of growing and sharing. Caz's beautiful quilt that we were all a part of was given to Christy and Jim. They were were blessed speechless. I was moved to give the couple an afghan that my Grandmother had started some 20 years ago. I will send the piece I wrote and read to the list. I ask that you not see me; but, see the goodness and the wealth of belonging that sharing and caring can bring. On Saturday my husband rolled in on his 18-wheeler and was included in 9 holes of golf while I visited with pwps. We ate supper together. Then a tearful farewell was exchanged. I learned so many things and was reminded of things too. Mike and Mary the hosts of this event are beautiful, giving, selfless, and devoted brothers and sisters of mine brought together by the challenge in life that parkinson's disease brings. By the coming-together of pwps around the world we are united in a stronger bond in which to fight and make activley and widely aware the horribleness of this affliction. Last but NEVER the Leeast. I send my love and thanks to each caregiver involved. Without you these events would not be possible. Keep up the fight... Sassy/Sandy Sandra Norris "Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see."