Disabled?

Two years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called Early Onset Parkinsonism that can make large parts of my body especially my right hand side seize up and become ineffective. In hindsight I believe I have had that condition all my life as I have always felt clumsy and uncoordinated and many skills other people take for granted such as driving are probably beyond me. It is embarassing because I want to appear normal and together in social situations but it can often be very difficult and tire me out.

But I percieve that there are advantages to this. Firstly, it helps me to prioritise. In the past I wasted my time on a lot of needless things, but because everything can take longer there is less room for such 'baggage'. Secondly, it slows me down even as the world rushes madly for no particular reason. Today I was able to appreciate all the blessings of my life. It causes me to consider the words of David the Psalmist 'that I am fearfully and wonderfully made'. One or two bits of my body are slightly below par but still amazing whereas other parts are simply wonderful. Yes, I may have a few small disabilities but an amazing number of abilities.