I have been active. I have been energetic. I have returned to being - almost - the person I was before Parkinson’s. My tango and biking skills have improved, and best of all I can walk. I don’t have to take the power chair to get to the bank or the library. I can walk. I can take Molly for a walk on the leash, or stroll with my husband. I won’t write about what symptoms remain.
The physical improvements have excited me to take on projects – clay being one of them. I’ve found myself working sometimes all day in the studio. I signed up for a clay class to get some expert advice in all aspects of building, glazing and firing. There’s just too much to learn by myself, and I am definitely in need of teaching.
Another project is some renovation – a kitchen remodel. It is in the beginning stages and quite consuming of my brain. I am very involved with all the details. I hope my contractor can stand me.
It is very typical of the Parkinson’s personality to get obsessed with a project or two or three. I think though that I have learned a little during my contemplative times recently to be more balanced, less adrenalin-driven, more relaxed. My husband and son commented yesterday about what kind of mother and wife I am. They said I was “nice.” This may not be the most effusively complimentary thing to say, but for me it seemed big because I don’t think they would have said that a few years ago. So perhaps I am learning something. Perhaps I am learning to change.
