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I am David Vaughn, and I
have had Parkinson’s disease for six years, being diagnosed at age 49. Up to
the point of feeling the effects of the disease, I had been very active
physically, and I had a personal yearly project. I learned a new skill every
year. I have had the privilege to learn in past years oil painting, water
color painting, wood working, clock making, making of black powder rifles,
and learning to play the banjo as examples of things learned. After becoming
a Parkinson’s patient I begin to experience weakness and poor coordination
in my hands, so I found myself unable to keep up my goal of learning a skill
that involved using hand work.
I was disappointed and a little angry that I found myself unable to do many
things I once was able to do with my hands. But Parkinson’s was not going to
hold me back; I would find something that would occupy my mind and be
useful. I discovered that there are two
very important things I could do, that did not depend on good hand
coordination.
One thing I began to do involved humor. I have many humorous stories
regarding my years as a pastor, and I have always been able to make people
laugh. I have taken this experience and talent and have been speaking before
churches, civic organizations, and
gatherings of persons who have Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases. The
result is that persons have a healthy laugh, and their spirits are lifted. I
am able also to bring them hope and to identify with those who are carrying
heavy loads in their lives. I leave people with the feeling that they do not
walk alone in their hurts and in their spirits.
Secondly, I have become active in the terrible area of domestic violence. I
am a volunteer chaplain with our city police department, and in this
capacity I have experienced first-hand too many problems in this area. From
this experience I am able to gather around me a group of persons and
organizations who wish to make a difference in these peoples’ lives,
especially the children. Together we conduct a special camp in the summer
for children from domestic violence homes. These camps give the kids a
positive male role model. We include police officers who share their love
with the children, we do anger management classes, but most of all, we let
them know that they are important, valued, and loved. They leave camp
knowing that there are adults whom they can contact if they need help.In
this area I am also involved with counseling in our battered women’s shelter
and helping persons find the assistance they need to improve their lives.
Parkinson’s disease may have taken some abilities from me, but it has not
had the victory over me. God has led me to new areas where not only do I
find fulfillment, but I can help and serve others.
(Italics)*Editor’s note: David has also written a book; see details from his
website at http://plwp.org/david_vaughn/default_vaughn.asp :
‘Amazing Humor - Amazing Grace’ is a collection of humorous incidents that
have happened to me in the ministry, and it is also a collection of warm
devotions that may bring a smile or a tear, but hopefully will show the
grace of our Lord Jesus. The cost of the book is $15.00, and all profits go
for either Parkinson’s Disease research, or to assist a Parkinson patient
who has financial needs. You may contact me for a book at:
drvaughn14@yahoo.com
David R. Vaughn,
603 Mohawk Street, Morristown, TN 37813
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