I find life very interesting in how things come back to you. A few years ago when my children were young, I home schooled the boys. On an educational standpoint, I'm sure this was a mistake, but life is made up of more than that. Yes, education is essential, but there must be balance. For example, doctors are expected to obtain a lot of professional information and people's lives hang on the decisions they make. Wow, nerve-wracking for sure but what about the emotional factor? Recognizing that these issues hold a huge emotional side and finding a doctor who has both sides is extraordinary! So I figure if I did nothing, at the very least I taught matters of the heart. Part of my teaching included a community service. At that time the Collierville Library was looking for volunteers to serve lunch to a small group of elderly people and play bingo as well. Perfect! So we decided to dedicate every Tuesday to that. They were a great group of people, all ladies and one gentleman. Oh, how they enjoyed the company of my boys. The ladies were talkative and at times sassy even. And the man was quiet and gentle. You could feel his spirit and his eyes were so kind. His name was Mr. Grady. He struggled to walk and do some of the simple things we all took for granted but never did he give up or become frustrated. Pride with grace. He, at times, would ask for assistance, which I was always willing to help. Despite his physical needs, his mind was sharp and he loved to play dominoes. He was a natural wiz with numbers and was so very patient with my boys and enjoyed teaching them how to play. We loved him dearly. Although he thought our only lesson was how to play dominoes, we know and still talk about his amazing strength despite adversity. One day I asked Mr. Grady what was his condition exactly. He told me it was Par kinson's disease. I truly never gave it another thought because he was NOT his disease! He was Mr. Grady! A very sweet yet strong man who had so very much to offer all those he came into contact with. Over time I have thought back on those days and how glad I am that my boys got to experience this. Now those of you who know me are thinking wow, how ironic! Yes it is! My lesson was so much bigger than I could have imagined. And when I have days where I struggle and I begin to get frustrated with Parkinson's, I think about my dear friend Mr. Grady and how Parkinson's was just a small part of who he was. We all possess the ability to do great and wonderful things but it's our perception of great and wonderful that holds us back. No, I can't physically go and build a house for the less fortunate or become a nurse and care for those in need but I can smile and take time to listen. I can offer all that I am with love in my heart and I can show how to have joy amongst the burdens. Not to mention I can play a mean game of dominos. Isn't it funny how life has a way of coming back to your full circle?