FAMILY

FAMILY
I fight for a cure for me & our amazing children❤️

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Good times!

It seems like it's been a long time since I've posted an update.  But when I look at the calendar I realize that it's only been three weeks.  For me, three weeks is a long time and a lot can happen. So here I am again ๐Ÿ˜

Three things stand out that I want to share:

#1 -- Bob and I were in San Luis Obispo for a few days. It's a lovely little college town with a wonderful community. The downtown is lined with small, locally owned shops and restaurants.  I was able to buy some yarn there and met a wonderful woman who I hope to see the next time I'm in town.  We also had dinner with some of folks Bob's been working with. I only knew two people there and everyone else was pretty close so I chose to hang out with their kids and play cards with them. But during dinner I was speaking with one of the women and she was very interested in my story, and my journey with Alzheimer's.  As most of you know I am not shy about my illness and I feel that the more I share my story the more I can educate on what Alzheimer's looks like.  Her questions were very thought provoking and came from a caring heart. I could tell that, even though I had just met her a few hours earlier. We cried together, we laughed together and I now feel like I have a good reason to visit again, very soon.

My take away was the importance of authenticity! And that every moment counts. She now knows what my symptoms were, and what I was struggling with. She also learned some statistics about how hard this disease hits women.  I will remember that conversation and try to ensure that every time I speak to someone about Alzheimer's, they too can walk away with new information and knowledge. At Intel we always said, knowledge is power.

#2--A few days later I had the pleasure, and I do mean PLEASURE of spending a few days with two of my best girlfriends.  We rented a house in Sedona and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.  The only little hiccup -- ok -- not really a little hiccup, was that my flight was delayed out of San Luis Obispo for six hours!! Yes, six long hours.  The weather was so bad that flights couldn't, or wouldn't come in to the little airport.  No bar, no restaurant but they did have a vending machine. I survived and did my best to keep busy. I knitted, I read, I chatted with everyone around me. And then finally I arrived in Phoenix. I don't even remember what time it was, but we were finally together and from that moment on every minute together was wonderful.

I had never been there and the red rock and the town and the people and the shops were all spectacular.  We went to a spa one day and didn't leave until dark! We had wine and lunch and when we finally got to our car we found out it was snowing.  That was a little scary but we made it home safely.  The next morning the ground was covered in snow and the tops of the red rock mountains were just beautiful. I can't wait to go back when it's a little warmer so we can do more exploring and hiking.

But what I loved most was just talking to my girlfriends and being around people I love, and that I know love me.  That's what life is really about and now I have the time and the permission to do what makes me happy.  So hanging out with smart, beautiful, generous, and loving friends, that I don't see often enough is at the top of my list.  Thank you Karen & Monica for doing all the planning and organizing! What a wonderful few days we had.  I can't wait for our next one ๐Ÿ’œ


#3--Yesterday Bob and I, and Danielle and Kristen attended the Part The Cloud event in Menlo Park. It's a wonderful organization that was founded in 2012 by Mikey Hoag. The goal is to accelerate progress in Alzheimer's research by only funding the most promising early phase studies. Every single penny from the event goes to research! The Alzheimer's Association asked me to be the Early Stage speaker. Each year they have someone with Alzheimer's share their story.  It was a beautiful event. I was truly overwhelmed with the love and support from all the women and the organization. Maria Shriver was there and we talked for quite some time. She took down my information (actually her assistant took down my information) and I hope to hear from her! I would love to spend more time with her and be a guest on one of her programs.  After my short 8 minute talk they gave me a standing ovation! I was so shocked I didn't know what to do. I finally went back up to the microphone and just said thank you, and God bless you.

During my speech it was hard to keep it together and I cried a little but I think most of the audience did too. There were over 300 people there and 99% were women.  I am brutally honest when I talk about my disease and I don't plan on ever changing that. Knowing how hard it is, but also how strong I feel spiritually is really important for me to share.  I am so glad my kids were there! I think they got a lot of love and support too. And they enjoyed the celebrities and the ladies they met.

We also met Kim Campbell, Glen Campbell's wife.  She was so sweet and asked me to give her my blog information. She said she would help me however she could. Sarah Rafferty was there (Donna from the TV show Suits) and Bob spent WAY too much time with her! I'm kidding of course but she is drop dead gorgeous and they took some great pictures together. I'm so glad they had time to talk. His year is made for sure๐Ÿ˜

So wow -- I guess a lot can happen in three weeks! Who knew that not working would allow for so many adventures!  There are plenty of days where I am home relaxing and hanging out with my friends, having lunch and walking and just 'chillin'. But I am making the most of every minute and February will probably be another busy month. I'm living every day to the fullest and doing my best to make a difference in this world, and most importantly, to help find a cure for this ridiculous disease.

With blessings and love -- until next time ๐Ÿ’•

5 comments:

  1. It's great to hear that you are staying so active and being so open about your situation. Without people like you, the misconceptions surrounding this disease would continue to grow. But you are empowering change! I have learned so much from people such as yourself who are fighting back against dementia.

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  2. Nice job honey. I'm so proud of your authentic approach and will make sure you can do what makes you happy. No matter what

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  3. Pam, I so appreciate your courage, openness, and honesty about your experiences. Your life is making a difference!!! Much love and gratitude to you! I will look forward to reading about your further adventures!

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  4. Thank you Pam for your honest and authentic reflections of your journey. Your insight makes us smarter and more committed to the work ahead for you and so many others. Stay strong. We are in this together!

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    1. Thank you Senator for your support. I enjoyed out time together last week.

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