Today I received a Taonga (treasure) from my lovely husband. A belated birthday gift which I shall treasure. In our New Zealand culture, for Maori the Tangata Whenua of New Zealand, greenstone is revered and given as a symbolic gift. Greenstone is something that should be given as a gift not purchased for yourself. It is carved by craftmen, often with skills handed down from generation to generation. Each piece has it’s own meaning. I was given a twist or Pikorua Symbolising the bond between two people, connecting the lives of friends, family or loved ones. I was given this by my husband, which makes it extra special and I shall treasure it always.
Also today I visited my daughter and my three grand-daughters. I enjoy spending time with them and connecting with them. As I reflect on my day, I realise that my daughter and my grand-daughters are also Taonga (treasures). They are a gift in my life. Time with them is precious and making the most of that time is so important. I want them to think of me as a gift in their lives too and memories of our time together as something they treasure.
This thing I have christened Parkies has given me a gift. The gift of thankfulness for the time I have with those I love. The gift of not wanting to waste that time and have regrets that I didn’t make the most of that time. Parkies has awakened in me a desire to make the most of the time I have and maximise the opportunity to spend that time with those I love.
Life is a Taonga – a gift that we cannot afford to waste – I intend to make the most of it, so that in the future I can leave for those I love the Taonga of a life made of memories to treasure.
My journey with Parkinsons 