Perspective and Parkinson's Disease

Per-spec-tive: definition; A particular attitude toward or a way regarding something; a point of view. In a recent Washington Post article titled "Having Parkinson's Disease is Nothing to Celebrate" the author Phyllis Richman, a longtime food critic/writer for the Washington Post, writes about suffering from Parkinson's Disease for the last 11 years. In this article Phyllis comments on the Michael J. Fox book, "Lucky Man". She believes Michael feeling that he is a lucky person in life is a bit of a stretch and the book title should have included "As told to Pollyanna". 

I have read many of the comments posted on this article on the Washington Post site (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health/having-parkinsons-disease-is-nothing-to-celebrate/2011/03/16/AFb0HEdF_story.html). Comments range from very critical of Mrs. Richman's comments about Michael J Fox to those who agree with her completely, and some that do not agree, but sympathize with her. In the article, Ms. Richman also points out the great work that Michael J. Fox has done on behalf of the Parkinson's community and the heroic effort put forth through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I have read many articles, watched many interviews, and read Michael's book, "Always Looking Up". My personal take on his philosophy is that he does not feel that he is lucky for having Parkinson's, but looks to the positive of being able to serve a higher cause, something that seems to have given greater meaning in his life. The diagnosis of Parkinson's or any other disease does not void what you accomplished in your life up to that point or what you do with your life afterwards.

Which side do you take on this argument, "Do you see the glass half full or half empty?" The answer is simple, both. You can't take the side of an argument that really comes down to an individual perspective. Phyllis Richman sees things from the life experiences she has had dealing with this terrible disease. We do not walk in her shoes and none of us can judge how she feels. On the other hand the equal can be said about Michael J. Fox. We have not lived his life. We also do not walk in his shoes and cannot judge how he feels. Those who suffer from this disease only walk the same path, but how we view our individual journey will be different for all of us. I'm still early into this disease.  I know things will become more challenging and who knows if my view may change, but I doubt it. We need to spend each day looking for that silver lining, smelling each and every flower, and giving thanks for all the things we can still enjoy.

The great thing Richman's article has done is prompted debate and discussion about our disease. This catalyst has always been the precursor for people taking action to get something done. I hope this brought the Parkinson's community a little closer together and to all my fellow bloggers who see the class half-full, let's see if we can get it topped off by finding the cure… Cheers!

I'm Pat Younts and I Move to Live.