There is a planet that lies in a parallel universe to Earth called Planet Parkinson’s. It is a warm, gentle, soft place, where a comfortable chariot carries you weightlessly through your day. On planet Parkinson’s there is no gravity. People who live there lack dopamine. Those living on planet Parkinson’s have adapted. We communicate with a whisper telepathically. It is quiet and peaceful. Apathy provides the backdrop to a motionless, effortless existence. We are free to come and go without resistance. Take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. It is a peaceful place without struggle.
If I were to fall to Earth one morning, I would experience gravity. I would require daily doses of Dopamine. I would struggle with apathy, which is not acceptable on Earth. I would have to learn to communicate with a loud voice. Those on Earth do not communicate telepathically. If I were to stay and live on Earth, I would have to adapt. I must discover the power of intent and combat apathy. Every day I would feel the weight of gravity.
Life on Earth is like a MAZE. There are struggles, life here requires effort. I must find my way through the MAZE each day. Find the Red Tulip of Hope and her promise of spring. We must “see the invisible, feel the intangible and achieve the impossible”. Who would have known, it is easier to send a man to the moon than it is to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
I have adapted to Earth, but each night I lay down to sleep and return to Planet Parkinson’s. It is a peaceful place without struggle. Each morning on Earth, I face gravity. Armed with the Power of Intent I find my way through the maze, and find Hope. I am grateful for the support of all the professionals at the Movement Disorder Center, and the incredibly supportive (PWP) People with Parkinson’s I’ve met. In times of great struggle, I click my heels like Dorothy and say, ”There’s no place like home”, and I return to Plant Parkinson’s.
In the words of Helen Keller, “Hope see’s the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.”
-Pauline S., Beat PD Member