A neighborhood tragedy reminds us to live in the present
It's easy to worry about the future when living with Huntington's disease
Our peaceful neighborhood was recently shaken by an unexpected tragedy. Our neighbors across the street, in the midst of renovating their roof, watched helplessly as a single spark from a power saw ignited a fire that caused extensive damage to their home.
As I stood with my wife, Jill, watching the firefighters battle the blaze, I couldn’t help but reflect on how quickly life can change. One moment, you’re planning for the future, and the next, you’re facing an ocean of uncertainty. It was a stark reminder of how fragile our sense of security can be.
The day after the fire, I found myself looking at the home we are living in with renewed appreciation. The furniture Jill asked me to move, the porch that needed to be cleaned, the leaves that needed to be raked — suddenly, these imperfections seemed trivial. They were reminders that we still had a roof over our heads, a place where family can stay, and, most importantly, a place where Jill feels safe.
Focusing on the now
This shift in perspective has been particularly poignant for my wife. Living with Huntington’s disease, she often struggles with anxiety and stress about what the future holds. There are days when the weight of her diagnosis feels overwhelming to her, but witnessing our neighbors’ loss gave her a moment of clarity.
As we sorted through our closets, gathering clothes and household items to donate, Jill paused. “You know,” she said, “sometimes I get so caught up worrying about what might happen that I forget to appreciate what we have right now.”
Her words struck a chord. It’s true that we face challenges, but right now, we have each other. We have a home filled with memories and love. We have friends and neighbors who rallied together in a crisis, showing the true strength of our community.
This unexpected tragedy has served as a powerful reminder to cherish the present. It’s taught us that, while we can’t control everything in life, we can control how we choose to live each day. We can choose gratitude over fear, appreciation over worry.
As we continue to support our neighbors in their time of need, we’re also learning to embrace our own lives with renewed thankfulness. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having a perfect life; it’s about appreciating the life we have, imperfections and all.
In the face of uncertainty, that’s a perspective worth holding on to.
Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.
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