Communion with Parkinson’s

Originally written May 2017

I watch him from the third pew. He trembles and he sways. Parkinson’s is slowly taking over. But no mind. He volunteers at church like he always has. he stands as tall and still as he can, offering his shaking hand to men and women as they take the stairs to communion. They might be helping him stand more than he’s steadying them on the stairs. But that’s what’s so beautiful about it. We give and we receive and we give. And it’s all mixed up and at times you just don’t know who’s receiving more, you know?

And then I turn to the center aisle and I see my grandad. He makes his way down the pews, collecting communion cards and inviting people to come forward to receive bread and wine. Like his friend with Parkinson’s, he walks slowly, with great intention, careful not to trip or lose his balance. His heart may be heavy as he longs for his bride of 72 years, but his smile communicates joy, quiet strength, and love. He squeezes hands, he pats shoulders — and he gives. And he receives.

And so it goes. And this is why we do relationships. This is why we do community.