Festive Fortitude

He spent his life as a musician performing and teaching, a family man, and a man rich in goodness and commitment to excellence in all matters. His was and is a fulfilling life replete with children, a career, laughter, love, success, and honesty. But with several years left before retirement, he received the debilitating news of the onset of Parkinson's Disease. A disease that would methodically and deliberately overtake his body, rendering him incapable of even the easiest and most mundane of physical motion.

All the symptoms were there and later it was confirmed by a physician. In addition to muscle stiffness, uncontrollable tremors, and a general feeling of physical sluggishness, was the need to hold on to things when walking for fear of falling down. His speech became slower and softer with little definition and displayed a marked lack of vocal articulation. It was Parkinson's Disease and the future was somber with little hope of improvement. His own countenance became atramentous, as though he became a shadow of his former self who carried his disease everywhere he went, like the sun entering a long eclipse from when there is no end. He gave up on his life as an active musician and was resigned to finishing his stellar career as a teacher in decline without the same level of musical performing application that had been such an important part of his life.

And yet, due in part to the medical profession and in part to the courage and application of the human spirit, he discovered he was not through as a musician. He was not ready to quit, not ready to give up, and mostly not ready to let it win. Research, medical help, and personal discipline led him to heights he did not know he had, and he found within himself the same courage and determination that built skyscrapers, led us to the moon, built highways, and composed symphonies. He reached deep and set aside the sickness and rejected that which had previously affected him.

He now picks up his instrument and makes music, beautiful music of promise and beautiful music of optimism for the future. His music rings loud and clear for all to hear and he walks the pathway of success. Each day finds him with a smile, a spring in his step, and a song in his heart.

So in this festive season there are many heroes, many champions, and many inspiring stories of endurance and perseverance. And in this festive season is a man battling Parkinson's Disease. He is a performing and teaching musician, performing a song of hope, and a song of victory, and above all a song of human spirit. Each day as he teaches music, his life teaches so much more. May his song of strength teach us to face our problems and not quit. And may he have many years of music, love, and risible moments that make the world a better place for everyone.

He, who could give up easily, battles onward and he, who won't let it get him, has become a testament to courage and fortitude in this festive season. May rich blessings continue along his pathway.