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Water Seeks Its Own Level

Archanette Riley

By Archanette RileyPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
2

Water Seeks Its Own Level

Catherine’s divorce, finally over after four years of arguing. She and John were together about 10 years,. But only married for eight. She expected to land on her feet as always. She was beautiful at 42..with never a shortage of men trying to catch her between husbands. Catherine was as comfortable playing shuffle board in a dive bar, as she was having dinner “ on the Riviera.” Once you met her you never forgot her.

She successfully made it through a real estate course. Aced every test. All of the top agencies in Dallas were trying to recruit her. Her future looked bright. There was a slight tremor in her little finger on her right hand, she thought it was due to the stress of the divorce.

Her life was about to change dramatically.

She had a weekly lunch date with girlfriends. She would be a little late this week,she had a doctors appointment that morning to hear the results of an MRI her doctor ordered a week prior. Nothing could have prepared her for the results.

“Parkinson’s,” The doctor said... To make sure she heard him correctly she ask “Parkinson’s? Yes, there’s no doubt.”.” i’m very sorry he said. She sat there in shock. Not knowing what to say. “Well, thank you Dr.Ivan, I appreciate your time, but I am running late for a lunch date.. If you don’t mind may I make an appointment to come in and speak with you more in depth about my diagnosis?” “Actually I would like to refer you to Dr. Blaine at UT Southwestern, he specializes in Parkinson’s disease. He can answer all of your questions and discuss your treatment in more detail.”

Her whole world stopped at that moment, she couldn’t deal with the diagnosis at this time. She chose not to share it with anyone, in order to share she would have to acknowledge it and she wasn’t ready.

That was Catherine. Pretend everything was fabulous until it wasn’t. She kept this pretense going as long as she could. She didn’t tell her friends, her children. She told no one… She was frightened and unsure of her future.

Catherine was successful in hiding her diagnosis until one night at a cocktail party, when she fell straight back hitting her head on the marble floor. Everyone thought she was drunk, but she wasn’t. She was on her first glass of wine. But, soon afterwords, she realized would have to acknowledge her diagnosis. She could no longer deny it’s existence. Catherine faced and overcame many obstacles in her lifetime, she didn’t know how to face this. And to face it alone was even more terrifying..

She didn’t want pity from anyone. She wanted to be well..She worked out daily, it helped her to maintain her 127 pounds, and a good attitude. She enjoyed taking care of herself. After researching she knew exactly what this disease could do to her body and her life...She became depressed, withdrawn.

On her first visit to UT Southwestern, her aunt accompanied her, Dr. Blaine was one of the top neurologist in Dallas. After seeing how handsome he was, Catherine looked at her aunt and said “Oh My! If I’d known how good-looking he was I would’ve shaved my legs.” They both laughed. It diminished the tension and stress for the moment. Through more research she discovered a neurologist in Naples Florida with a different approach to treating Parkinson’s. Catherine made an appointment she was willing to try anything. On her next visit with Dr.Blaine, she mentioned she needed to pick up her medical file to take with her to Naples. Dr. Blaine told Catherine that she would be wasting her time and money if she went to Naples. Without hesitation Catherine replied,” Dr.Blaine I mean no disrespect but you don’t have Parkinson’s you treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s. If you told me to drink a pint of pigs blood every day to eliminate the symptoms, I would be drinking pigs blood every day “. She made her point…. Dr. Blaine had no objection after that.

Catherine flew to Florida to see this miracle worker. He gave her hope. His treatment worked. The treatments were very expensive and not covered under her insurance. It all would come out of her pocket, thousands of dollars a month.. Her money would last several years, but when it ran out, she no longer would be able to afford the treatments that kept the symptoms of Parkinson’s at bay.

In typical Catherine fashion, even though she was terrified she remained calm, never allowing anyone to see her sweat. Trying to maintain a positive attitude, was challenging at best. Somedays she would air dry after getting out of the shower because she was unable to dry herself off. It was difficult at times to apply her make up, especially mascara. Thank God for her sense of humor, she needed it more now than ever.

John and Catherine met for breakfast at The Original Market Diner…they were regulars.. He had something he wanted to give her, they remained friends after their divorce. John was seated when she arrived. As she was sitting down she noticed a black book on the table.” What’s this she ask” “it’s why I wanted to meet with you this morning. I need you to hold onto this for me, I can’t tell you it’s contents, at this time,. just put it in a safe place and tell no one about it. and I mean no one”. He was very adamant about this. John was a criminal defense attorney in Dallas. His clients were dangerous people, Catherine didn’t want to know anything more about it. She knew John would never put her in a dangerous situation. She picked up the black book and placed it in her large handbag. Then he handed her an envelope, “what’s this?” she asked “Oh it’s just a little cash in case you need to bail me out of jail” “What?” she ask. It’s twenty thousand dollars Catherine, and if something happens to me just consider it a gift” “John are you in danger?”

“ Not anymore so than normal. Considering my clients “ he said. As he threw his head back laughing, his unforgettable laugh.

She was deep in bubbles when the phone rang, she didn’t recognize the number, but answered anyway. It was an acquaintance telling her John had died that morning of a massive heart attack, he was 58 years old. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing but it was true. John was dead.

She didn’t know who knew about the mysterious black book. Or why he ask her to hold onto it. But she followed his instructions to the T.

humanity
2

About the Creator

Archanette Riley

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