We all wish to sail through life in calm waters, making our way smoothly
to destinations, navigating life's ups and downs and moving with the ebb and
flow of the tide. The ever changing seasons and currents sometimes pull us off
course, and our direction is altered, but we continue to move forward.
I have been sailing since I was a child, and my husband caught the
sailing bug a few years ago. "What a lovely hobby a couple can do
together" was my first thought, but I did not take Parkinson's into consideration.
With great difficulty I am helped aboard the boat, and once my life jacket is
donned, all checks have been made, mooring lines are let loose, we motor out of
the harbour. Just as we reach the breakwater the waves pick up and the boat
rocks back and forth, tilting and heeling. The boat is held in irons whilst the
main sail is hoisted, and the droning of the engine abruptly stops as it's
turned off, suddenly a calm silence reigns. The sails are trimmed, billow as
the wind fills them moving us forward and all that can be heard is the gentle lapping
of the waves against the hull of the boat. This is what some may call
"being in the moment". However, it is a moment that Parkinson's does
not take kindly to. I don't know if it is the motion, the heeling in particular
or several problems together, but I find sailing very difficult and
uncomfortable. Despite having sailed in my youth for 21 years, now having Parkinson's , I
am amazed at my reaction to a sport I have participated in for so long. If it
is a particularly calm day, not too choppy with a light wind, I manage, and
enjoy spending precious "alone time" with my husband. I have little strength
in my arms and terrible balance, so am of no help, unable to pull any
ropes, I sit in the cockpit like "lady muck" whilst I watch my
darling nimbly hop to and fro.
Today is someone's birthday who is very dear to me, so happy birthday and may all your dreams come true! If you could have written a song, I can't think of one with words more apt than Phil Collins "You'll be in my heart"
I applaud your courage, Elaine, in sailing. My own mother, who as you know also suffered PD, was very unsteady on her feet. She gave in to the comfort of being a prisoner in her own home, not wanting to put herself on display. She only occasionally ventured out, mostly to shop because it gave her short-term happiness to purchase something for the house or her wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteA belated happy birthday to Brian. I'm sure you made it a special day for him, being the special husband to you that he is.