Rocky Balboa Versus A Formidable Opponent

I had a dream that I was Rocky Balboa at 71 years of age. When I was young, I was the heavyweight champion and at the top of my game. Now, I am in the battle to be the ultimate champ again.

My formidable opponent is my nemesis, The Parkinson Invader. I'm in the fight of my life. How am I going to win this battle? I have to get into shape, eat healthier, become stronger, and get my mind to be focused positively.

My mantra is, "I will fight like heck. I will not give up. This battle is mine and I am going to be the greatest once again!"

Building my team

But how am I going to give it my all to be in the best shape possible? My trainer and manager, Mickey, passed away years ago. So, now I have to hire a new team to help me. I will seek out excellent managers, trainers, and others to be on Team Rocky. They will work with me daily.

I went to my primary doctor and a movement disorder neurologist for a physical. They said, "Yes, go for it."  They agreed that exercising and training were going to very beneficial in my quest.

My new Manager is a movement disorder neurologist. He guides Team Rocky to improve my health. My trainer is my Physical Therapist (PT). She exercises and strengthens my muscles and coordination.

Recommended exercise

In addition, my PT helps keep me nimble on my feet and works on improving my balance. This helps me move quickly in the ring without falling. Also, I'm on the internet and Zoom daily doing exercises to make me a viable combatant.

I do the physical exercises that my trainer recommends. For example, The Lee Silverman Voice Therapy-BIG program. She further advised that these exercises are good for me when I face the dreaded Parkinson Invader in the ring of life. 

I admire the other greatest boxer, Muhammed Ali, who had Parkinson's disease. Does "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" sound familiar? 

That's how I want to be. Determined and courageous as Ali, in fighting his scariest opponent also, The Parkinson Invader.

Fighting the battle

In every round, The Parkinson Invader tried to hit me hard in different ways and combinations. My opponent was trying desperately to win by a knockout.

But, with every punch he threw, I confidently fought back stronger and stronger with a vengeance. I utilized the skills that I learned from my PT.

I kept up the fight of my life. I was hearing the Rocky theme music crescendo in my head. I kept focused on "The Eye of the Tiger." I fought back! I was not going to give up!

The Parkinson Invader will not consume me. Challenging his every move, I was focused and determined to fight like a champ. Giving up was not an option.

I will not give up

When the final bell rang, I was overjoyed and still standing! The referee lifted my arm in victory.  He announced, that I fought my most destructive foe ever. I was again awarded the title of the greatest by a TKO for endurance. The crowd went wild!

When I awoke, I realized that by fighting The Parkinson Invader, I was always tough and not a quitter. This opponent continues to challenge me daily for a rematch, but I will not give up. I am still the greatest and I continue to fight every day.

When challenged by The Parkinson Invader - Have courage, stay focused, be strong, and fight like heck!