Daily Grit by Wes Thorp

MY PARKINSON'S REPORT: I feel tremors inside of my head

In the almost four months since i've been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, it has been a wild ride.  My gait has changed dramatically with steps requiring me to concentrate on going "heel-toe" for each step.  Not only that.  I now walk with a walking stick that my grandsons seem to enjoy using too.

Besides that I have trouble getting out of bed and have trouble getting off the toilet.  Going up and down steps has become more of a chore, especially the just below the surface feeling that I could lose my balance.

Most recently have been the tremors with my head.  However, my wife-Gladys has watched me carefully and has seen no movement in my head.  Nevertheless, I feel the movement inside my head.  It feels like constant movement, even though it doesn't show.  

Right at this moment it has slowed down, but it can come back at any time.  What does this all mean?  I have no idea.  The way I understand Parkinsons can present itself a variety of ways.

Is this frustrating me?  It could very easily.  So far I've been able to fend off the serious frustration.  It's like having a double-feature playing inside my head while this is happening.

 

Here’s what I like about Dearborn Christian Fellowship:

I’ve checked in on Swarm five different times at Dearborn Christian Fellowship in the town that made Henry Ford a household name.  I’m now the Swarm mayor which means absolutely nothing.

What impressed me was to make a seeming difference in the lives of people who go to church there, especially the kids who attend like my four grandkids who are active there.  Because of a seeming partnership between  their parents and the church, they know who Jesus is.  Their lives will revolve around that relationship.

I was touched by other things, like:

• My son-in-law bringing me a cup of hot coffee as the service was beginning without concern that an elder would admonish him about bringing caffeine into the service.
• Then there was the banner to the right of the pastor giving the sermon.  It was a reminder that “God Fights Our Battles.”  I presume this includes guys like me fighting Parkinson’s Disease.
• There was the young family sitting behind us who were extraordinarily friendly.  It seemed sincere.

Did I experience the presence of God there?  You bet.  He was there.  I saw him through other people.