Before I delve into my profound thoughts, I want to mention that Epiphany has multiple meanings. It can also be known for the Christian holiday called “Three Kings’ Day,” which is celebrated on January 6th. On this day each year, people will celebrate the manifestation of Jesus, with gift giving and eating the King’s cake…wait… what?! I think the wise men knew how to party. Can I get special trinkets and treats 12 days after the Christmas holiday? Where do I sign?
But no, my epiphany didn’t derive from this spectacular day. Mine came in the form of a conversation about a couch, a Lazy-Boy love seat to be specific. I have wanted a Lazy-Boy recliner ever since I was a little girl, when I knew that my Dad’s chair was only for his bum to rest on. It was an unspoken rule that he sat on a brown leather chair, smooth as butter, soft as a cloud, while the rest of the family never sat in his chair. I can remember one day sneaking a little rest on the Dad chair. I felt the power of the recliner, and I felt a little naughty knowing that I was breaking the law. With the push of a button, it transformed into a supernatural creature, contorting into positions I didn’t even know a piece of furniture could do. I knew a Lazy-Boy…ahem… Lazy-Girl was in my future.
Ok, I digress. I was talking to my mom and told her that I had decided that today was going to be the day that I would splurge and finally get my very own Lazy-Girl, which would require the removal of my current couch to make room for my prized pig. Mom comes back with, “But what am I going to sleep on when I need to take care of you in the hospital?” Valid question. There have been multiple times in which I needed additional care as I travel this rocky road of sickness, complications, and medical procedures. I could only come up with, “That’s not going to be a problem, because I am done with that part of my life.” I quip, with too much conviction, “I just feel like it’s time to really start living my life. I don’t have time to deal with being sick, so I just won’t. You don’t need to worry about me, I’m good.” We all had a big laugh, but by speaking of it, it’s like my worrisome thoughts kind of lost its power.
Just by saying that out loud, I can’t describe the weight that I felt lifting off my chest. Let me clarify, I understand that I have Parkinson’s disease, multiple complications from bowel previous surgeries, and autoimmune issues, but by just saying that I am done with that part of my life, I am moving on… It’s a respite I will take.
By taking control of the narrative, I was able to choose the time that I was going to let my anxiety and fears take space in my brain. I would not let any energy go to believing that I was going to be challenged by every medical diagnosis. Future and present. That is not going to be my life. I will be the one with a Lazy-Girl in my living room, watching the last 3 episodes of “Stranger Things” on Netflix with my dog. You know, I’m just choosing optimism while I can. Happy New Year to you all! May your 2026 be full of health and happiness. Cheers!
Ha! Watching Stranger Things with Max in the hospital in a coma. We are watching too when football isn’t on. I love that Penny is looking lovingly into your eyes. Enjoy your lazy girl and wishing you a happy HEALTHY New Year!
Hi Aunt La La,
Penny has made that couch hers. She doesn’t care if I’m sitting there or not, she just squeezes her booty in the gap between my leg and the chair arm. Such a Diva!
Allison, I fully understand your enlightened comments about walking in the sunny side and taking that next step even though it may be shaky and even unnerving sometimes. Keeping on keeping on is your mantra. I think this is the quality I saw in you years ago incidental to my diagnosis, You made the difference for me by ushering in a personal quest for the quality of life, which I saw in you as attainable. Words come difficult at times however allow me to say thank you Alley, you are a special girl so very worthy of emulation by our colony of Parkies.
I am putting the final touches on a long-awaited move from our cavernous two-story house to more manageable over 55 condos. What seemed impossible at first has been accomplished, thank God. Stairs are in the rearview, I have already met some Parkies here, so expect some more new bloggers. All the best wishes for health, happiness and joy for this New Year.
Hello Wayne,
It was nice to hear from you! I’m so happy the move you made to your new home worked out so well for you! Hope you have a great New Year! No more stairs!!
I know of Parkies, bowels surgery adhaesions and rheumatoid arthritis. Enjoy that chair, it’s my dream too 🤗
Hi from Parky central New Zealand, keep the faith ❤️
Hi Nic from New Zealand! How exciting to know where my blog goes when I send it through the ether! Thank you for commenting!
I am overjoyed with your positive thinking.
Blessings and love for 2026 and enjoy that chair!!!!!
Thank you Connie!
Happy new year to you, Perky!! I appreciate your kind and words of wisdom to all of us Parkies out there who are still just trying to get through the day without falling apart. May your new year bring you peace and joy!!
Mark
And same to you, Mark!
Happy New Year to you too Alison. It’s a wonderful life in a lazy boy! I love this new outlook on life. Dealing with Parkinson’s and a couple of other things that try to take over my life, I was just diagnosed with another disease after having an MRI. I have decided that I cannot let them take over my life and live it to the fullest that I can. I have a PET Scan coming up, but whatever comes out of it, life is still here.
Enjoy the last 3 episodes of Stranger Things!
Looking forward to your next blog!
Hello Tim,
I am sorry to hear you received a new diagnosis and I am sending postive thoughts for your PET scan. Thank you for sharing your story. We are not alone in all this.
Feel the power of the “Dad Chair” in your Lazy-Girl. The power of positive thinking!
(I wondered why there were a couple of Gummy Bears stuck down in the cushion of the Dad Chair.)
Hi Dad,
I’m sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about Gummy Bears in your chair. Can’t prove anything.
Glad to know you are doing well.
I am doing good. Thank you John!
Happy New Year, Alison!
Right back at you Marcie!
Thanks for sharing perky! Happy new year to you and I hope you thoroughly enjoy your lazy girl chair 😊!
Hi John,
Thanks for the support and comment!
Oh, Perky you hit the nail on the head with this Epiphany. Congrats. ‘S Bout time the medical community quit monopolizing your and mine time!
ENJOY the freedom this one enhances!
Hello Eugenie,
Nice to hear from you. Miss seeing you in the office! Hope you’re doing good!
On a good day, I have been known to feel part of the regular world. I can almost forget the onward march of new symptoms, but then, I “pay” for it with a day slouching around, exhausted, feeling miserable.
I tell myself to see the “glass half full,” but it’s tough during off times!
I salute your cheery disposition! Enjoy! I will say a prayer that ALL we Parkies can have, if not a cure, at least a new zest for life in 2026 and beyond!
Hi Posy,
“A new zest for life” for all Parkies …Love that! Those off times can feel as if they’re running your life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for sharing. I wish you a cheerful New Year!
You too, Mark! Thanks for the comment!
Thank you so much for your inspirational messages. Happy New Year. We wish you a great year and the best things always.
Sue & Lou
Hello Sue and Lou! Hope you two are doing well!
Atta girl! Happy New Year Alison. 🎉🥳🧧
Thanks for continuing to read my blog. I was just thinking about Shar-bear recently, and it made me smile. Happy New Year!