One In A Million

                                                                                ONE IN A MILLION  

It’s been a long time since I last wrote anything, as I told Martie I write only when I’m bored, and since it gets dark early these days, my sense of creativity has returned. But there is more to it than that, Rosalie and I have just return from the RSB Green Valley cruise and I would like to share my thoughts.

First off, Rosalie and I really enjoyed ourselves, it was a chance to visit new places (San Francisco and Ensenada), and re-visit old friends (Monterey and San Diego). The weather was perfect so there was nothing to complain about. But like anything else it’s always about the people

I wore a couple of Rock Steady Boxing T-shirts during this trip and both times I was approached about my life living with Parkinson’s. It is amazing the effect this disease has on those whose lives have been touched by it. Their words of encouragement were truly touching, and their smiles and laughter as I told my story was nice to see. They all started the same, asking me, “I don’t mean to pry, but do you have Parkinson’s disease?”, they seemed to be surprised at my willingness and ease at which I spoke about my life. And the more I spoke the easier the conversation became.

There is perception that life ends at the day of the  diagnoses, and in my case, nothing could be further from the truth, if anything I doubled down. I became determined to leave nothing on the table; my sole focus is living. As I spoke to those willing to listen, there seemed to be a sense of amazement that I held no bitterness, and that I found humor in a disease feared by all. Life is funny that way, when the going gets tough, we turn to our strengths and in my case, it’s humor, it’s who I am Parkinson’s or not.

Rosalie and I met a couple (Dawn & Bill) from Ventura on the shuttle boat from the ship to Monterey. This couple was very familiar with Parkinson’s disease, as the wife’s mother had suffered from it. She listened closely as I spoke and she became emotional as she spoke about her mother’s experience with the disease. I hope our conversation in some way eased the pain she felt, she seemed to be touched by my drive to live a full active life. As Rosalie and I were waiting to leave the ship to return to Vegas we met again in passing, she smiled and said “I will never forget you”, it was touching end to a very enjoyable trip.

One last thought, there is not enough time in the world or words in the dictionary to express my feelings about those who care for, love, and live with those effected by Parkinson’s. I can only say, I think all of you who are living on the “other side” of Parkinson’s disease are amazing. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers, I see your struggle and feel your pain, yet you never waver, God Bless You All.

Bon Voyage     

Mark Hitechew