 |
 |
Ivan, you are an inspiration. Thank you, Hilary Ivan M Suzman wrote: > > For my many friends, known and unknown, on the Parkinson's List > > ^^^^^^ WARM GREETINGS FROM ^^^^^^^^^^^^ :-) > Ivan Suzman 48/39/36 [log in to unmask] :-) > Portland, Maine land of lighthouses 36 deg. F :-) > ******************************************************************** > > DO YOU FIND YOURSELF ASKING > > Do you find yourself asking, > How can I make my life less painful? > > How can I find meaning when my ship > runs aground, on the stormy coast of Parkinson's? > > When my attitude and strength > are being tested, > and tested again, > when my "on" periods bloom and fade > as quickly as white crocuses in April. > > At these times I look deeply within, > and search for a sense of awe, > I dig up a new kind of faith, > that even Parkinson's > can offer me a sense of Beauty. > > Like the harsh coast of Maine > there are still harbors, > filled with cormorants and terns, > waiting to be seen if the sailing goes well. > > I ventured into a green cove today. > I was asked to teach nursing students > who are learning about progressive > and ever-changing diseases, > > I was asked to be a picture, a glimpse, > a model, of Parkinson's-a-go-go! > Yes, I am Parkinson's in action, > not frozen and helpless and shaking. > > No, I shall defy being someone's > museum piece of incurable fragility. > And, even if I can't run, > > I shall move stumblingly, but gracefully, > I shall speak clearly, though softened, > I shall smile radiantly asymmetrical smiles > next spring, > at the nursing students of Westbrook College. > > My friend Glenna wrote a book, > "Living WELL With Parkinson's " she called it. > Perhaps you know of her book. > > My friend Martha calls it "The Bible" > of our support group. > We must keep ourselves involved and busy, > says she, > her crystal-clear, blue eyes twinkling, > beneath her snowy hair. > > You are special, > says she. > Why Ivan, you know, > Young Parkinson's ought to keep you busy! > > I never dreamed how full my days could be, > nor imagined being invited to a college to explain > or at least, to try and provide glimpses > of life with Parkinson's, > > which was at first a savage predator, > crackling like a blazing wildfire > at all of my ragged edges, > > but for this moment transmuted, > a turbulent ocean > > bestilled. > > by Ivan Suzman > 5:58 A.M. > Monday > 16 November 1998