The plan was to meet friends up at the lake for a kayak, picnic adventure; note the operative word 'plan'. We are on a crash course of ever changing reality at our house. I wasn't sure we would be able to navigate the path down to the lake and we need to be realistic about these things now. There is no easy path in our lives.
We know exercise is the best medicine for Parkinson's and Russ is doing something every day. He has two land PD classes a week, one water class, one boxing class and he just signed up for 8-2hr balance classes! The man is working hard. His grit and determination astound me. I am honored to be a part of his journey (tho of course it was never on my bucket list to learn anything about PD). Parkinson's disease for both of us is the challenge of our lifetime, testing us physically, emotionally, mentally and socially. The path to the water encompassed them all.
So what carried us over the disappointment? Our friends. Every one of them sincerely wanted us there. Several thought they could have carried Russ down the path to the flat chair spot. They wanted to help. They wanted our company. Now there is the gift in our day; the gift of friendship. Their concern eased our emotional and social disappointment.
We know how hard it is to lift family and friends up when you have little knowledge of a degenerative disease, it is almost too hard for us and we live it! Parkinson's has the ability to put the PD patient and the care-giver on an emotional rollercoaster that can make for a rough ride. But friends buoy us. Just knowing they care and wanted to include us, even though we ended up not participating, made our day.
To sooth our rough ride, we came home and ordered a new bike for Russ.