Music – good for the soul

My spirits were truly lifted last night when we attended the Opera and saw a marvellous performance of ‘Rigoletto’. I have always enjoyed listening to opera but never had the opportunity till now, to attend a live performance. I rested the entire day so that I would be well enough and able to enjoy the evening. I walk with great difficulty at the moment, and told of the many steps and much walking involved, taking my wheelchair was an obvious decision. We were allotted excellent seats in an area meant for disabled and were pleasantly surprised to find the building was very “wheelchair friendly” with ramps everywhere and large lifts. My heart raced hearing the orchestra begin; watching the curtains go up, the audience’s excitement and expectations could literally be felt. I wish I could have magically transported you all with me last night; the amazing powerful voices of the singers and the incredible music that Giuseppe Verdi superbly created literally touched my very soul. Music is often used as therapy, and last night I was drenched in the enchanting therapeutic qualities of the opera. For someone with Parkinson’s to be able to sit still for around 3 hours is no mean feat, so I’ll let you in on my secret! I took half a Clonex pill (Clonazepam) ¼ of an hour before curtain up, which normally is taken only at night just before going to bed. I have also taken Clonex when flying, for it simply relaxes all the muscles enabling one to sit comfortably for a lengthy period of time. It is not generally advisable to take this during the day time, but for an important rare occasion such as flying or sitting through a lengthy performance, it helps considerably. Again I hasten to add; I am not a doctor and merely a patient sharing my experiences with you, so please check with your own doctor that this option would not be detrimental to you in any way. Last night was incredible and yet another experience I can strike off my “bucket list”!