Chapter 82. Membership has its privileges.
February 6, 2015
Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. ~Anais Nin
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I have a very good friend who I have never met. He lives right next door to me on the other side of the globe. I say next door, because, although half a world separates us, we share our stories with each other like we’re talking over the fence. As such, we’ve come to know each other very well, and I’ve come to care for this friend very much.
While we’ve never had the fortune of meeting face to face, and I certainly can’t tell you what color his eyes are, I know exactly how he sees his world. Because I’ve looked through those same eyes myself. He sees his world as one of endless possibilities—for himself and for his family. He sees the possibilities that can come to a devoted husband and a loving father who works hard, plans and dreams of a better future. Because that’s the success he wants to be—be for those he loves—be for himself.
But now he sees the possibility of having everything he’s worked for, and dreamt of, and planned for stolen from him by a thief he never anticipated coming into his life. Parkinson’s disease. And that presents the possibility of seeing himself as a failure. It presents the possibility that his family might see him as a failure.
But you know what?, That’s not possible. Failure doesn’t exist until someone quits or gives up entirely. As long as you continue to try you’re not a failure, because the continuing challenge can ultimately lead to success. Success is not measured by what you attain, success is measured by what you accomplish. Parkinson’s is a challenge. A challenge to be overcome. A roadblock to maneuver around. Parkinson’s can most definitely eliminate some possibilities (I will never be able to type 60 words a minute again), but it can equally create new opportunities.
Our futures were never set in stone anyway. There never were any guarantees. So the “possibilities” of our successes playing out as we may have hoped they would, really stood as great of a chance as the “possibilities” of us being a failure. In other words, we shouldn’t get so hung up on every change in direction life throws at us and concentrate more on perseverance and overcoming the challenges.
The way I choose to look at it is, life on Earth is one big health club membership for our souls. Each one of life’s challenges work the muscles of your spirit to grow stronger and stronger. Embrace the opportunity to keep working out—after all, “No pain, no gain.” Problem is some of the people spend too much time standing in front of the mirror admiring their own physique instead of going over to the next guy who might need a hand.
I just want you to know, as your friend, I’ll spot you anytime.
The suffering of others is our own suffering, and the happiness of others is our own happiness.
More to come.
Tremors in the Universe is available in e-book, paperback and hardcover through Balboa Press @ http://bookstore.balboapress.com/Products/SKU-000956591/Tremors-in-the-Universe.aspx or at http://www.tremorsintheuniverse.com
A portion of the authors proceeds are being donated to the National Parkinson Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Tremors in the Universe Copyright © 2015 by Robert Baittie
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