As I write this, I am watching a taper candle burn. Gravity encourages the melting wax to look for the and fastest and most direct way down. Sometimes the only path becomes engorged and gets blocked, other times the edge drops off entirely leaving the hot wax no path at all. Then, suddenly, a drop escapes over the side and races to the holder below.

There are so many times when I choose to help my husband just to hurry things up. Or I push him to do things my way because I know it is best for me, never thinking about what might be best for him and his situation. Just doing it, getting things done, that is the way I have always barreled through my life. Now, when I am working side-by-side with my husband as he battles PD, I have to slow down and consider choices more carefully. There are times when I need to accept his decisions for his care, it isn’t easy.

Perhaps the message of the candle is that there is always more than one way to get through our challenges. If I to take the time to listen and look at what is happening, I can make informed decisions for my husband’s care. Then, together we can choose the best route forward for both of us rather than just the easiest for me.