You are, you knew that didn’t you? You are stronger than you think you are. How do I know? Because we all are, both collectively and individually. As a culture, we have endured persecution and the ravages of war, as cities and communities, we coalesce around our commonalities in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. As individuals, in spite of our apprehensions, we find creative and even humorous ways to adapt when we encounter threats to our livelihood or health. Each of us, even the often ridiculed “snowflakes,” have it within ourselves to withstand, or do one better, thrive in the face of adversity.

The Doubter

Sadly, we just don’t always believe that we do. We are asked to attach the label of hero, to someone handpicked by a vacuous talking head that seeks align their ideology of with that of hero, to be the face of resolve and of courage. In reality role models exists in our neighborhoods and our communities, virtually anywhere a handful gather. They are in our midst, neither looking for accolades nor longing for the limelight.

When I was first diagnosed I was given an assignment; read Man’s Search for Meaning, the account of Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl. He survived when others, considered to be stronger and more able to withstand the atrocities doled out by their oppressors, did not. How did he do it? He adopted this mindset, “He who has a ‘Why to live for’ can bear most any ‘How’.”

During these last few years, I have crossed paths with many who have shared with me their “Why”. A common theme emerged; each felt that they had something to contribute. Some were willing to sign up for clinical trials with the hope of developing new treatment options or even finding a cure; some would educate patients and caregivers while still others or walking beside someone recently diagnosed as they navigate their new reality. I don’t hear from them words of defeat, requests for pity or tirades of anger.

The Stronger

What do I see? Only what one could describe as a lot of average “Joe’s” doing what they have to do to provide for their families, pay their mortgages, and enjoy rich and rewarding lives. Who are they? By day, they are executives, bankers, salesmen, retirees and first responders that are hanging on tightly to what Frankl would describe as the last human freedom:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~ Viktor Frankl, Holocaust Survivor.

If you would take any one of them aside and ask them how they are doing, each may allude to a challenging day here and there, an annoying new symptom, or a slightly diminished mobility, but each would conclude with a variation of this statement, “I’m doing good.”

The Finisher

They found a way by tapping into their “Why” in spite of this message that they hear from those same talking heads, “Society values the young and the healthy, those with vigor and vitality, and those that can keep their shirts clean while eating ice cream.” In short, don’t call us, we’ll call you.

Armed with the freedom to choose their own attitudes, they press on to fight another day, to engage in yet another battle for control of their own body, and in the worst of cases, to finish the race strong, with dignity and grace.

I realize that many, from all walks of life, choose to sit on the sidelines and accept the challenge before them as avoidable, insurmountable and just too daunting to engage. It is unfortunate, but a reality, that so many view themselves as victims, instead of what they are, victors in training.

Eventually, I too may lose my battle with Parkinson’s. But then again, it’s entirely possible that my demise will be the result of an asteroid the size of a school bus crashing into my living room while I’m asleep on the couch. Of the two, can you guess which of these is the more likely outcome?

You picked wisely.

Good idea Ivy! Let’s make up a sign, Space Rocks for Sale.

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Al and his faithful, and creative sidekick, Ivy the wonder pup.

“Pay the dog? Really?”