Of Guns, Gifts and Gratitude

My 20th sober birthday started out much like most days do—with prayers and reflection. I read my email and acknowledged the congratulations from friends. I was feeling some pain and discomfort due to the rare form of Parkinson's I have. This was not unusual, but as the morning progressed, it became worse to the point where I decided to skip my usual meeting at the club. Still I told myself, "This too will pass." It did not.