I’ve vowed to not let Parkinson’s prevent me from enjoying life

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to doing it? For me, that thing was pottery. I believed it was something I could master, and that it’d fill a creative void in me. I took my first pottery course about 20 years ago with my then very young daughters, a decision that created fond and funny memories.

The instructor, who held classes in his garage, came highly recommended. He had an adorable goldendoodle that played in his backyard. Of course, all my daughters wanted to do was play in the backyard with the dog rather than help me fulfill my lifelong dream, but that isn’t important. All that matters is that the spark had been lit, and I couldn’t wait to take pottery classes again.

But life is busy, right? So I didn’t get around to taking those classes until a few years ago, after my Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2015 but before I had deep brain stimulation surgery in 2021. My sister, Debbie, was visiting, so I signed us up for a week of pottery camp. Finally, I would reach my creative potential!

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‘What is happening?!’

A few things had changed in the 15 or so years since my first pottery lessons. The classes were now in a group setting at a new pottery facility. The instructor was the same, though, so I felt comfortable and ready to dazzle everyone with my talent.

Debbie and I discussed what we wanted to create: big serving bowls, platters, and maybe even a teapot!

The first lesson was all about getting the clay ready to work with. But squishing it down and then pulling it up was more challenging than I’d remembered. The instructor came over to help me. He put his hands on mine to show me how much pressure to apply. It took about two seconds for my tremor to wake up and tell him to “Back off, buddy!”

I felt like my arms had exploded. They shot up in the air while the instructor, desperate to show me the correct pressure, tried to hold them down. After maybe five seconds, he looked at me and in a panicked voice asked, “What is happening?!”

At that point, I didn’t know if I would laugh or cry. I chose laughter, telling him that it was Parkinson’s disease. Debbie and I have laughed about that moment for several years now.

When the course was finished, we had a large assortment of lumpy little bowls and mugs. I’d love to blame the lumpiness on Parkinson’s, but if I’m being honest, I can’t. I hung up my pottery apron and accepted that pottery just isn’t my craft.

A month ago, my daughter suggested we take a pottery mug-making workshop together. Of course I did it, and yes, now I have two more lumpy mugs to add to my collection!

I’m so happy I took all of those courses despite the imperfect outcomes. I’m often tempted to say no to an experience, and my excuse is always Parkinson’s. But I’ve learned that I’d miss out on so many fun moments if I let Parkinson’s get in my way.

I encourage you to also fulfill your dreams, make the most of each day, and choose laughter when possible. Don’t let Parkinson’s stop you from experiencing all that life has to offer.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.