When most people hear the term ‘Parkinson’s Disease’, they tend to think of Michael J Fox and the Parkinson’s that make you shake, move haphazardly or suffer debilitating tremors. Anthony’s type of PD is not like that and is often termed ‘Parkinsonism’. His symptoms have included a dramatic loss of movement. In many ways this is a kinder PD because of the lack of tremors but on the other hand the crippling immobility of brain/body has been a long, slow series of gradual shocks. First his hands couldn’t do things like open a jar of vegemite, steer a car, operate a chainsaw; then his face stopped ‘working’ in the sense that he no longer smiled and he stopped blinking, so that his eyes took on a blank look. I have already written about some of these things in previous posts so I won’t repeat myself.
One of the most noticeable things about Anthony’s PD is his stillness. Before the nursing lodge he would sit for hours on the front verandah in complete stillness. Sometimes he would be so still that the blue wrens would alight on his lap not realizing he was a human. Sometimes he would be so still I would think he’d died. Sometimes he would be so still he would drop his cup of tea.
Well, today I took Gutsy9, the baby peacock, in again to see Ants at the nursing lodge and guess who loved Anthony’s stillness?
jmgoyder 
awww
I bet Ants loved the visit just as much. Gutsy9 is just super adorable.
Ants is an animal lover so it was great!
What a lovely thing to do. Anthony must have been delighted 😉
He was!
what lovely photos and how great for Anthony
I take Gutsy9 everywhere now – so much fun! Ants was chuffed.
Just beautiful … It seems to me that Gutsy9 has come into your worlds for some reason.
Let’s just hope he survives!
Anthony must have loved this visit by such a cute chick (beside the cute chick who is his wife, that is).
They say pets are a wonder with either the elderly or serious illness sufferers. Perhaps more visits with Gutsy in tow would be beneficial.
Yes – I am going to take Gutsy in all the time now!
Lovely photo’s Julie.
Gutsy9 is growing so fast!
Incredibly fast!
the feathers! so much fun for me to see the progress having never seen one from so small x
Now that brings a tear to my eye… that bird just feels the love… and I’m sure Ant loved every minute of it… Damn Julie you’ve put a lump in my throat…
Thanks Bulldog!
Those photos brought a tear to my eye, you feel the love come right through. They both seem so at peace with one another. 🙂
I agree. Super photos.
Very much so!
Given what you’ve said about the other birds’ reluctance to accept Gutsy and what I see here – well, look carefully. Your future may look something like this! Which one do you think you’ll be?
I went to that link – love those pictures! I want one.
Such a touching post Julie ~ should be in a magazine or newspaper…. really… and your photos are fantastic. Beautiful all around… xxxoo Love to you ~
Not sure if photos are good enough for a mag. but that is a great idea!
yes – so good — they can edit and enhance. Your narrative so touching. Not sure if it would be a PD magazine or any general or health related publication – hospital newsletter – even local papers…. get busy!! ~ xxoo
That is so cool! Those two look perfect together. Our Nate is a continuous wiggle and squirm–ADD/ADHD, and he makes our little chihuahua crazy. By the time Nate goes home, the dog’s tired just watching him in constant movement. Stillness has its merits.
Ha – I’ve never heard of a chihuahua needed a rest!
Now THAT’S adorable. Such a little sweetie and Anthony is enjoying it so much. It was a great idea to take the little chick in to see him.
I’m going to take him in every time (well until he gets too big!)
you are so nice and so thoughtful, this is great what you did. I love this little one, 🙂 Thanks and Love, nia
Isn’t he adorable!
How cute! Enjoy it before Gutsy9 gets a lot bigger.
I am going to take a photo every day so I can see his growth. I never did this with any of the other birds and they just seemed to be little one day and huge the next!
Julie, my heart is melting …. Sometimes happiness is a little turkey … and just want to be loved.
Your photos give truth to the saying – wonderful how big miracles comes in small packages.
Julie, this post is priceless!
Thanks Viveka! I think we all needed Gutsy9.
So true, Julie … we all could do with a little Gusty9.
oh, heart tugged at again!
I know!
Lovely photos. What a great idea to take Gutsy9 in to see Ants. 🙂
I’m gonna keep doing it.
Beautiful photos!
Kindred souls
For sure!
those photos are so precious…………………awwwww touched my heart
That’s very sweet.
I think this must be very restful and therapeutic for them both. ~Lynda
Yes!
I’m awfully teary these days and this got to me. I thought of you when I posted the poem you just commented on.
Oh thank you Victoria!
How touching!…Just a question..Since we are fairly new with each other how is Anthony related to you…? … My brother in law…now passed had that form of PD….He didn’t have tremors..just the blank look and stillness…He only really responded especially the last 2-3 years to my sister..Diane
Anthony is my husband – 23 years older than me.
Thanks for sharing that with me…Diane
Awesome pics! Good for all!
Aw this is so sweet to see. That little duckling is the cutest! My brother with Parkinsons loves our animals at home. He says they calm him down and keep him focused.
The wee one has found a new parent.
I didn’t know there was any other type of Parkinson’s so thank you for sharing this with us.
Julie, soft smile, I would imagine that 9 (Gutsy) enjoys the safest of Ants lap as much as warmth. Have a good one, take care, Bill
so appropriately titled
Aw, how sweet. I woke up today thinking about you and your little peachick 🙂