No I am not talking about chocolate or a huge surprise waiting for me this morning. I want to talk to you about something more sensitive and in some ways heart wrenching.

I know heart wrenching and sweet in the same topic just don’t seem to fit but go on and decide for yourself at the end.

For almost ten years I have been married to the most patient of men. If you know me personally you would know I am a perfectionist, procrastinator and at times quite inflexible. I like things done in order and usually my order is what I consider best. I am sure someone out there can relate to me ha-ha! How Andrew puts up with me befuddles my mind.

Recently Andrew was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It has been an emotional process after losing his mother to the same disease just one year ago. The difference is she had Parkinson’s for years and in a few short months our friends, family and I have watched Andrew progress beyond what we expected.

It started with a loss of balance, weakness and some stumbling. Then we started noticing changes in short term memory and an increase in tremors. Recently trouble swallowing has been added to the list.

I woke up today expecting a day like any other. Just work on things around the house, cook meals and work towards improving my blog.

Well God had other plans in addition to mine. Today I was going to learn a lesson.

The morning was pretty normal it takes Andrew awhile to get up and moving as he is pretty tired. I exercised, tidied up a few things and checked email. He awoke and we had a nice conversation. He even told me he had to run to Walmart to get me a gift even though he forgot he did it already. It makes me giggle a bit but I love him all the same.

But lunch time came and Andrew had heated up a bowl of soup for himself. He sat down to eat and in a quiet voice had to ask for help. So for the first time today I gave my husband the gift of feeding him. As I write I have tears rolling down my cheeks. I don’t feel bad for myself but rather blessed that I have a few more minutes however many they may be with this extraordinarily patient man who doesn’t ever complain about a disease that is changing his life. I wouldn’t be so gracious as I don’t have the temperament for it.

Every day is a gift. If you are blessed enough to have someone by your side that you love don’t hesitate to find a blessing in a quality they have. All of our days are numbered and the good and the bad all count. I hope you can find peace and appreciation for what God has given you today no matter which side of the fence it lands on.