The following has religious overtones. It is the story of my life until now. Although it is related to Parkinson's disease, that relationship is not readily apparent.
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__I looked up from my sleep_____________

...and I looked up from my sleep and saw Him standing beside me. in His hands He held a case for storing my possessions. it was empty until He began to place within it treasures. He was tall, easily over seven feet, and He was transparent. i seemed to know Him but not as well as He knew me.
i was but a child, barely 8 years old. i felt comfortable calling this visitor "Daddy," so i did so. it was then that He called me by my name, and my journey began. as my name fell from His lips, my heart heard His voice. although i was afraid, i knew that He would protect me. i would be eternally blessed from that day forward.
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I looked up from My place of comfort and saw Him standing beside Me. His stature was not as tall as I had remembered. He spoke softly, barely getting My attention. He wanted Me to leave My comfortable place and pray for one walking in front of Me who had the palsy. His voice was not as clear as when He called Me by My name, and I was uncertain of His ability. I remained in My comfortable place and did not pray. I have wept often because of My decision.
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I looked up from My position and I saw Him sitting on His throne. His invitation to Me was to enter into the HOLY OF HOLIES where He said that He would teach me to war. knowing full well that I should go, I stayed instead and stood firmly in My postion where the enemy struck Me down and now torments Me. I now weep because of My decision.
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In my dream, I saw myself hanging from the pinnacle of hopelessness and despair. He was not there. I cried out and hoped that He would hear and come to rescue me. He sent His servants instead. I was taken to a place of rest to observe life from a different perspective. Here I am being nurtured and restored. Here I wait with anticipation to hear Him once more direct my path. Then will I say yes and discover newness of life.
From my place of rest I have observed the living who are dying in their need. slowly fading, slowly falling, slowly losing ground. many weep and are discouraged. they hold on with weak hands and stand with feeble knees. I hear the sound of His foot steps in the distance. As they draw nearer I feel my faith growing strong. I feel the bandages being removed from my once near-fatal wounds. strength returns to me.
I will run and not become weary. I will walk, and I will not faint. ...and then I will fly like an eagle and rejoice in my decision. I am blessed.


michael