Two and a half weeks ago, I was already noticing these changes in my life. I realized how much I had already learned and decided I needed to give back what was so freely given to me. So, I began volunteering at Rock Steady Boxing on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Although, I have only been doing it for two weeks, I feel I have learned even more about attitude, perseverance, dedication and acceptance (Rock Steady is the not-for profit working with those affected by Parkinson's) I learned a valuable lesson last week while volunteering. I had been collecting mats from people in between exercises and a gentleman by the name of Ron told me "he was there to workout and could put it away himeself". It was at that point, that I realized I needed to treat these individuals just as I would anyone with Parkinson's or not.
Next weekend, I along with the other Agents (and families) will be running in the Komen Race for The Cure. Josh encouraged me to sign up for the 5K run, which I did. However, the last time I might have even run a 5K was in high school. After our BOSU class this morning, Josh asked if I wanted to go for a 30-minute run with him outside...I begrudgingly said yes. He did mention we would take a very easy pace. Amidst strong winds and a less than ideal attitude, I pushed forth. It didn't help to have Josh running backwards facing me and singing the Rocky theme song...if I had any extra energy I may have choked him! But, I stayed focused and kept running. When there was about 10-minutes left, Josh continually urged me to keep pace...for some reason he desperately wanted me to make it back to the start in 30-minutes total. When we crossed the final street and where about back to the final straight, Josh said I had 10-seconds to get back to my car. So, giving it all I had, I pushed out one final sprint. At that exact moment I finished and was gasping for air (yes - in 30-minutes). Josh informed me that I had just completed my first 5K since high school. Oh, by the way....just prior to the run, I held an elbow plank for a full 5-minutes and 3 seconds...something Josh said he has never even attempted. I'll bet he does now...
Since joining this movement of change, I along with the other agents finally have a chance to give back to Josh too. Since he went all Vegan on us...he has lost a bit of weight. No doubt that he will overcome this hurdle just as any that have been thrown in front of him...but it's kind of nice and fun to push back all of the things he tells us constantly. The messages he has instilled in us, have become second nature already. Eat right, get rest, drink water, breathe...As he once again makes a "change" (this time to his own grueling training/nutrition program), we will be right there with him. So, what can you do...send cookies of course, just make sure that they are Vegan, he'll probably have them analyzed:)
P.S. - It has been a full month (and one day actually) since I smoked my last cigarette!
Olaf - 005