“The progress is something you need to see to believe.”
In December 2014, my mother Pamela due to heart issues was fitted with a Pacemaker. This in itself was a huge adjustment, only to be followed with the loss of her loving husband, my Dad in March 2015. In September of 2015, Mum was diagnosed with the early onset of Parkinson’s Disease and as she had insisted on living on her own for the past 6 months it was agreed, the time had come for Mum to come and live with myself and my husband. After a few days, I realised how weak and fragile Mum had become. No energy, needing to lay down for most of the day, eating very little and becoming more reclusive. Just to have a conversation with Mum was difficult with the jaw of her mouth shaking constantly, showing strong signs of Parkinson’s Disease at this stage.
During the next 3 months, with various doctors’ visits and medication changes, it was recommended to assist with Pamela’s progress to source Tai Chi Lessons in our area.
From my first initial phone call with Julie, I felt at ease to embark on this new pathway.
Pamela commenced Tai Chi classes in January 2016. As a frail and unstable on her feet, 76year aged lady, Pamela attended her first lesson. As the oldest in the room and worried she may fall, Pamela began the first 4 weeks of her Tai Chi classes sitting in a chair and attempting all the movements in a much uncoordinated manner.
But to her credit and practice at home Pamela continued to persevere. One of the noticeable changes within 3 months was Pamela’s walking. Pamela always shuffled her feet, taking tiny steps, I believe to save herself from falling. However, with the guidance of Julie, Pamela learnt to concentrate on what her feet where doing. Julie taught Pamela to keep her feet wider apart, to assist with her balance. This was a milestone for Pamela. This boosted her confidence in such a way, I was now able to take Pamela out shopping for short periods of time. Something Pamela had not attempted in a long time.
As each week passed her control of her shakiness improved. Of course, there are still but days here and there, but by learning the art of Tai Chi, I believe Pamela has become stronger in her arms and hands and legs, giving her the ability and confidence she now has today. As for the shaking jaw back in September 2015, this is something I have not seen since 3 months after beginning Tai Chi.
The progress is something you need to see to believe. From a frail, exhausted lady back in December 2015, to someone who is up and about at 7.30am each morning, doing the daily chores, pegging out the laundry, being able to maintain her diary with small amounts of writing, to going out on luncheons with her friends and to the most achievable conquest, being able to babysit her 6 year old Great Grandson.
Thank you Julie, Tai Chi has given back to me the active mother I missed during 2014 and 2015. Amanda
In 2018 Pamela moved into a Beachside Retirement Home. No more Specialist Visits. Reduced Medication. Walking freely alone without assistance. I visited her last weekend. i send Healing frequently and speak with her on our mobiles. Amen.
