MY FRIEND BOB

Every week I look forward to seeing my friend, Bob. He is as reliable as an immovable rock. Even though he usually exhibits no expression — no elation , no watery eyes, no furrying of the eyebrows, I can depend on him to be there for me when I need him. I never really had a friend like that. He asks me no embarrassing questions, but is always willing to listen to me. I trust him so implicitly, that he would even take a punch for me. Some would say that he is so quiet that he might have some sort of personality disorder. From my medical training, one might call him a “borderline personality.” But that can’t be right; those people tend to exhaust their friends and family and are very dependent on them for attention. One might categorize him as an “antisocial,” but those people tend to exhibit damaging behavior. That’s not Bob. He’s just very, very….well…. quiet.

Okay, I will get it out in the open. I have had Parkinson’s Disease for almost 17 years. I have learned very well that exercise is just as important as medication to help slow down the inevitable progression of this neurologic disorder. One recent development is “Rock Steady Boxing.” No, we don’t box each other, Thank God! However, a well organized program will have several different available boxing bags, various other fitness equipment and a charismatic trainer. The object is to emphasize alternating movements, exaggerating movements, fine motor skills, loud speaking…..all in a supportive environment. We are literally “fighting back” at Parkinson’s…….and it’s a great workout..... and fun, too.

So who is Bob? He is a well endowed, muscular rubber mannequin, who we get to punch incessantly. He never falls over, never complains. As the expression says “He goes with the punches.” He’ll take it in the face, the eyes, the chest and abdomen — without flinching. A fierce uppercut will draw no blood; a jab-cross to the jaw never produces the slightest bruise. He just takes it, and will never give up.

Bob is somewhat of a symbol for me. Like many chronic diseases, it is important for the patient with Parkinson’s to forcibly adopt an attitude of positivity and action. Otherwise, the sedentary life will inexorably chew away at your body and yes, your very soul. Until a cure is found, you must keep moving. I see Bob standing there with his disapproving stare, challenging me to knock the blazes out of him, and I am only too happy to oblige. It might defy logical explanation, but he represents to me a rock steady man who refuses to be humiliated and refuses to give into whatever adversity comes his way. I approach him with a combination of anger, a bit of fear, but a feeling of release with a dose of determination.

Bob reflects a different way of looking at disability in general. It is not really pure optimism, but some genuine opposition to inevitable decline. I know it is not easy, or in fact, not possible to keep up such an attitude day after day. Yet, every week, Bob gives me hope that somehow, taking that boxing stance and giving him all I’ve got to give, will help ME to be that immovable rock as long as I can.

Thanks, Bob. See you soon in the ring.

For more information, go to www.rocksteadyboxing.org