My Heart Is Full!

It is 4:45 am Wednesday July 5, 2017 and I reach over and turn the alarm off before it goes off at 5:00. I have laid awake for the last 2 hours and it is time to get going to the fair grounds. I reset the alarm for 6:30 so that Kris will wake up for work on time and I quickly get dressed and leave the room so I do not wake her. 

Faith and I load a ice chest bag of drinks and head for the fairgrounds. The forecast is for 100 degrees and it has already been hot the last three days while we have been at the fairgrounds. Now the Big Joe on the radio says 106 by weeks end. Welcome to fair week.

By 6:00 we are waiting in line to unload and before you know it the pig is vet checked, weighed and in his pen. He made weight at 226 pounds. He is smaller then we wanted but the heat wave in June really slowed him down. The day is spent watching for me and working for Faith. 

On a normal year I would be helping at the scale then setting up for beef weigh in and then helping with beef. On a normal year I would then help take down the beef walk way and set up for the next days swine show. On a normal year I would being running around in the heat working my but off.

This is not a normal year and I have better then normal friends in my corner. The auction committee keeps me away from the hot hard work as a way to love and protect me against my own problem, you know the Parkinson's thing. I spend the day instead running errands doing stuff for the Fair Board that I was just appointed to and visiting. Dickie Hall keeps me very entertained. 

Faith spends the day clipping pigs, teaching others to clip pigs and washing a lamb. No she does not have a lamb but her buddy Belle does and there are far to many giggle opportunities for them to miss. She is a hard worker.  

Tuolumne County All Stars doing the Flag Ceremony.
There is my Faith raising the American flag.

Teaching Maryn how to clip her pig.

Duke the pig.

Suddenly its Thursday and it is Swine show day. I am announcing again and this year working with Bailey Orpurt. My sister Sharon is right there busting her groove moving pigs all over the barn. Faith makes market and does not do so well in showmanship. She is all smiles as Duke is going to the auction.

Showmanship. I love this picture Maria Hines.

Each day of the fair has its different events and with it comes the chance to see old friends who return for the shows. I am the announcer for the sheep show and the beef show so I am blessed with a spot to sit and see all my old friends. Before you know it we are setting up for auction and having the chance to see old friends that I showed with.

Cleaning up for the auction.

Saturday night leaves me amazed at the community. Early in the day I give the exhibitors a challenge to clean up and set up their party just like RA used to and the kids do a great job. Faith leads the Auction in the Pledge of Allegiance and Savannah Wittman sings the National Anthem. What a way to start the show. The fire works this night will belong to the buyers. They spend over $360,000 that evening and Faith sells Duke for $15.00 a pound. UNBELIEVABLE!!

Hugging Tanner one last auction night as his leader.
 He was a wonderful President for our club. 

The Four Amigos!

There are many things in this world that bring me joy but none more then my kids. 

A hug from dad. This kid is a hard worker and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you James Smith.

My last swine group. These little wiper snappers brought me so much joy and in the end many tear

Tuolumne Pioneers win the Herdsman Award.

One of the greatest parts of the fair is living life with old friends. We all grow up but so many of us come back with our kids. Below are some of those I showed with who are now raising their kids at the fair.

Jeff and Ryder Wittman

Paula (Wittman) Shane & Sarah Marick

Heather ( Thomasson) & Kendall

The night ends and I cant help but think about all I have seen and heard. My old swine leader was at the fair, many old friends and I had the chance to make so many new friends.

Sunday comes to soon. It is my last day. As I walk in I can feel it slipping away. Faith has taken over my job of organizing pigs for the Round Robin show and Nick has taken over moving them. I know it is for the better as today my legs are a mess from the Parkinson's. I have kept my challenges to myself as good as I can but my friends know and they see the little signs, they know about the leg cramps I have been waking up too and they know that I have not slept well due to headaches. They see me stumble and even when I try to hide the shaking hands they know what I am doing. Retirement from 4H is coming soon and I know it is for the best. 

The hard part is not really leaving as I know I will be back as a parent and as the Vice President of the Mother Lode Fair Board. However, as a leader you have many hours of working with the kids and parents and relationships are formed. I will miss that. I will miss telling the large tall tales and watching their faces as they believe me. I will miss the giggles, tears and corny jokes. I love them all.

God made kids that way you know. The bible says:

Matthew 18:5

And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

God has shown me through this program that all kids need us and we need all kids. He has allowed me to work with the blind, deaf and special needs children. I have watched a child go from hiding behind their mother to becoming a wonderful speaker. I have members who went to college and those who can make submarines with their bare hands. I LOVE THEM ALL!

Sunday ends with my club honoring me with a wonderful belt buckle and so many nice things said.  I hug so many my arms ache. I tell every one of those kids that I love them. AND I DO! I get hugs and kisses from old friends. The biggest gift of the day is when that stubborn old Dick Hall tells me he loves me and tells my wife I am a good guy. Do I cry? YUP! Grown Men do! 

Then its time to walk away. I hug my three country girls from the Sibley family and their brother ropes me one more time. Then he ropes Emily the new Swine leader. The torch is passed. I take Kris' hand and walk away. There is a lump in my throat and a smile in my heart and a beautiful woman on my side.

I won't miss the laughter as it is in my head like the sounds of the river as it winds it way through Kennedy Meadows. I wont miss the memories because each night they flash though my mind like lightning from a passing Sierra mountain storm. I wont miss the friends because they will forever be carried in my heart like a leaf softly floating in a fall wind storm.

What I will miss are the moments. Those moments when a child needs a quick word of encouragement. I will miss terrorizing new parents with made up stories and rules that dont really excist. I will miss faces and words. I will miss the little things that make each day different and special.

But I know that somewhere it is written in time and that time will be remembered by others and the stories will be shared and retold through the years and they will go in different directions and travel with others on different journeys.They will be my stories and our stories. Stories of a special time and a special place. Soon the journeys will come together as one and the stories will become one story.  a story that we will tell our grand kids. We will tell them of a  special place that lives in our hearts and it will go on with me as I follow........ My Journey.

'Cause you are the one light that shines on me

Without your love God knows where I'd be

Lost without a prayer

                                                            Somewhere way out there

My soul would turn to dust

Heaven help me

If I ever lose your love

A Fair To Remember

Editors Note:

As many of you know My Journey has been on a short break while I have worked to recapture some energy and finish out a school year. Tonight, in honor of the Mother Lode Fair, I am taking a quick trip back to my childhood and recapturing some of the fine moments that I enjoyed in my life. I hope you can sit back and enjoy a bit of 4-H/FFA history as I take a stroll back in time when life seemed a little simpler.

When I walked in that meeting room in 1974 I never dreamed that the new group my parents had signed me up for would become a family for the next 43 years. There were familiar faces from school like Peggy Hecht and there were also many new faces and names to get to know. Little did I realize that those faces and names would be forever etched in my memory and would travel a life time with me as I made My Journey.

It is a hot July day in the mid 1970's I am standing in the show ring and this year I will not be taking my pig to the auction a sad event that will repeat itself for several more years to come. But there are still so many things to do. I watch sheep showmanship, adult showmanship the beef show and of course there is barn duty. While I am sad that my pig will not go to auction a buyer is found so not all is lost. The best part is I have made so many friends and I have seen showman in other species that I have heard are legends in their own time. Names like Sonka, Fitch, Woods and Fraguero.

What amazes me to this day is the number of friends that I make....LIFELONG FRIENDS! These friends to this day carry me during difficult times, love me when I am unlovable and support my crazy activities that I do in the community.

 Through the years the faces change at the fair as members age out and new members come along but the story is the same. A story of kids working together to help each other learn a project, raise an animal and possibly win a ribbon. There are nights sitting on the lawn giggling with Mary Macon, playing cards with the Gritz's and of course there is always time for a visit with RA our loving FFA Adviser from Sonora High. Even though I am a 4-H member I am part of his family.

Our leaders teach us the importance of animal care and always being responsible for the care and feeding of the stock we are raising. They must be fed, watered, kept warm in the winter , cool in the summer and of course you cant help but to sneak them little treats here and there.

Life is like that isn't it? I mean God does the same for us. The bible says:

Proverbs 27:23
Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds;

God takes care of us and we are to tend to many flocks. Flocks of animals, flocks of people and of course our families and communities. That is what 4-H teaches us too. That we must use our Head, Heart, Hands and Health to take care of us, our community, our country and our world.

Kendra White Thompson

Christy Woods Schauffel

Christy 

Here is my picture form 1976. The fair was a magical wonderful time of year. The smell of maure still brings a smile to my face. I used to beg my parents to let me spend the night but they never agreed. Thank you for reminding me of the happy care free days. 

Brenda Farguero.

Erin Fraguero DeMercurio

While my sisters and I enjoyed the fair is was a lot of work and a lot of work for our parents too. They had to keep us clean fed and ready for the show. There were a lot of long hot days and so many worked so hard. The auctioneers Dave and Tom Fraser saw that our animals sold for top dollar. No one ever got the bidder higher then those tow brothers. Gerald Engler was always there to cheer us kids on.

Kathy Thompson Stegall 1985-1986

Gary Stegall 1985-1986

Melanie Brisco Hamilton

George Hamilton

My favorite memory of the fair was the year my brother was introduced to the girl showing rabbits. That sweet smile and incredible laugh is now my sister in law. See 4-H is awesome!

Jackie Kirk Martinez and Melanie Hamilton in costume showmanship.

Jackie Kirk 
I can still hear the auctioneers  and smell the straw. I have so many great memories of great times.

Judy Wilson
I remember washing my lamb with woolite. We would bring the camper trailer down and stay the week at the fairgrounds.

All too soon my days as a member ended and my days as a Daddy started. My wife Krishna would join me as we worked with names like Smales, Moore, Hines, Leslie, Wittman and Kirkwood.  There would be years of laughter and tears with my own little 4H members and my kids. As a leader I have washed away many tears and cut hands. At the end of each fair at 5:00 there are first year members crying as they say good bye to the animal for one last time. I give them the same old speech. The speech about how they are doing something many can't do and that is providing food for families. Then at 6:00 there are the good bye to my senior tears. As my members graduate I walk them out of the barn one last time. I thank them for their hard work and tell them how proud I am that I live in a community that they have worked so hard to bless.

These kids give food to the hungry, chop wood for the cold and clean the homes of the elderly. They have raised money to fight childhood disease, raised money for the homeless and they have cried as cancer has taken the life of their leaders. They use their Head to learn about life, their Hands to serve their community, their Health to learn how to help the ill and they give their Hearts fully.

Faith Hamilton

Emily Hamilton, Faith Hamilton and Sara Merick

Faith Hamilton

Danny Hamilton

Emily Hamilton 

Cindy Ingraham - Wozney

Driving to the judge

I would miss it all if I did not mention this great friend. We met through 4-H and some 40 years later she is one of my most special friend in the world and I love her friendship.

Well there it is 43 years of my life. This Sunday it will all come to an end. This Sunday at 5:00 I will one last time give my speech to first year members this time it will be a little harder. Then at 6:00 I will make one last slow walk out of the barns as a 4-H member/leader. I will take the thoughts I have in my HEAD of members past and present and the laughter and tears we have shared. I will carry in my HANDS the years of calluses from building pens and mending broken toes. I will continue to improve my HEALTH so that in some way I can continue to serve my community and finally I will hold deep in my HEART the memories of so many days with so many wonderful people.

Then one day when my body has slowed and my mind is weak and forgetful all those memories will be safe in my heart and will travel with me wherever God takes me on My Journey.

Through The Good and The Bad Times Too

Happy Birthday Baby!

June 9, 2017

Dear Krishna

Today is you birthday and you are 49 years old. The final year of the 40's. It is hard to imagine that my girl is heading towards 50. I wanted to pen a letter to you but I wanted it to be one that I shared with the whole world so they knew how much YOU mean to me.

From a very early age I knew that the woman I was going marry would be special. Not because I am any great catch but because I am picky. Here were the qualifications:

Must have a big heart.
Must want kids and be a good mom
Must Love Christ
Must have the same morals and values

Easy Huh?

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22

Learn to seek His presence and his will. Daily. ...
Speak faith! Love others with a godly love. ...
Strive to have inward beauty; outward beauty fades. ...
Have a spirit of humility. ...
Serve the Lord to your fullest ability, always keeping your mind on Him and eternal things.

Suddenly you were there. Like God said here you go, see if you can catch her. I have been chasing you ever since. Back then I could run faster but now age and Parkinson's has slowed me down a bit. But I can still catch you.

It was the fall of 1989 and the minute you walked into the room I realized I was alone. I realized you needed me and I needed you. Then we held hands and I knew I would never let go. It was as if I found the hand that perfectly fit mine.

Within just a few days I asked you to marry me. God said "don't let her get away" and I am one to listen to his words so I acted fast. The next year was a whirl wind as we planned a wedding and then suddenly it was here and you were Mrs. Ronald M Hamilton. Krishna Hamilton. I sure still like how saying that name feels on my lips.

You were a beautiful bride. All our friends told me so but they did not realize that I already knew that. The wedding was amazing. There I stood with all the world watching and I gave you my word that I would Love, Honor and respect you. Yes I did say obey....And I do. 

We were so young and Our Journey has been such an exciting trip. I have been blessed to hold your hand through so many of my life's big events. When Emily came I held your hand until it was time for me to catch her. WOW! I delivered our baby. She is beautiful, smart and a woman of God. She gets that from you.

Two short years later I held that hand as we said see you soon to your Dad. That was a tough year. But you know they say what does not  kill you makes you stronger and our love grew and flourished and two years later I held your hand as our son Danny entered. He is strong, determined and faithful He gets that from me.

Then we held hands as we watched your mom leave this earthly life and join Bob in heaven.It was difficult but we were blessed to be there to say good bye as she told him hello.

Then 1999, boy what a year. When I was in a constant fog the one thing I recognized was your hand slowly leading me back. Whenever my brain left me feeling lost there you were to always take my hand and lead me to your side.

Then the amazing 2002. Remember they told us I could not have anymore kids and yet that hot August day I held your hand as we welcomed Baby Faith into our lives. She is beautiful, a social butterfly and independent. She gets that from us.

So here we are 2017. Emmy Anne in school, Danny boy heading to the Academy and Baby Faith the smile that warms our hearts. And I Still love to hold your hand. I am blessed. We have traveled many roads together. We have laughed, cried and laughed some more. You have been my best support system in all that I have done and I have been proud to have you standing right next to me and holding my hand.

My walk has slowed but I still chase after you so that I can be next to you. Many years from now I will take that next walk. The wind will blow through my mind and my final thought will be of you and I will whisper your name with my last bit of energy.

When I arrive at heavens gate I wont go in, I will tell them I have to wait for my angel. They will understand because they know you. From that bench outside the gate I will look down as you bounce grand babies on your knee and play peek a boo. 

Then one day you will join me. I will run to meet you and throw my arms around you. My lips will touch yours and I will be complete. Then I will turn, take your hand and enter heavens gate. As I enter I will say to God this is Krishna Hamilton and I can finally come in because I have my girl and it will be the end and the beginning of "My Journey."

Add caption

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bzeQWZINhA

I will pledge my heart
To the love we share
Through the good and the bad times too
I'll forsake my rest
For your happiness
'Til my death I will stand by you

With God as my witness
This vow I will make
To have and to hold you
No other to take
For rich or for poor
Under skies grey or blue
'Til my death I will stand by you

There are wars and there are rumors
Of wars yet to come
Temptations we'll have to walk through
Though others may tremble
I will not run
'Til my death I will stand by you

I will put on the armor of faithfulness
To fight for a heart that is true
'Til the battle is won, I will not rest
'Til my death I will stand by you

With God as my witness
This vow I will make
To have and to hold you
No other to take
For rich or for poor
Under skies grey or blue
'Til my death I will stand by you

'Til the battle is won
I will not run
'Til my death I will stand by you

Dimples, Spice and Everything Nice

Friendship Series

There is a moment in your life when you realize that there are people in this world that God really wanted in your life. I found this friend in Angie Thompson. Since 8 years old we have giggled, laughed, cried and walked life's road together. Tonight Angelika Underwood joins me on "My Journey."

There are many things I do not remember in this life. I don't remember my first step, I don't remember my first hair cut and I do not remember when why or how I got to be 51 years old. But I do remember the first time I saw her. We were 8 years old and those smiling dimples were immediately burned into my mind. What still strikes me is that her sweet voice was just as beautiful as she was and still is to this day. It was the first time in my life I realized that there was nothing more I wanted then to be a life long friend of that wonderful person. God answered my prayers. He still does.

Angie

What can I say about my friendship with Ronnie, and yes I still have to call him that.  To me that is who he will always be.   We began our friendship at the ripe old ages of 8 and 9 at Jamestown Elementary.  I remember being terrified being at a new school in a new area, but I met the best people, Ronnie, Jackie, Debra, Bianca, Mickey, Jimmy, Becky and many others who made me feel welcome.  We all came from different backgrounds but when we got to school, those backgrounds didn’t matter anymore, that was one of the best parts of going to school there.  I have a lot of fond memories of Ronnie growing up.  I remember once getting in trouble and having to sit in the office with Mr. Bernard, I believe Ronnie and I were talking too much, which is not too surprising.  We both liked to talk!

It was the decade of the 70's. Gas was high and so was unemployment. We lived in small town USA. Some us were poor and others had a mom or a Dad. Some of us were good at sports and others were good at math. Some of us had money some did not. NONE OF IT MATTERED. At Jamestown we were family. I remember in sixth grade we all worked hard to help each other raise money to go to Science Camp. The thought of one of us not going was out of the question. We did bake sales and car washes together. We laughed through life.

There were hard days and tears. Some of us had trouble at home some of us had trouble at school. But together we overcame.

Angie

We continued through school together, graduating from 8^th grade to the tune of Rainbow Connection and then high school 4 years later.  But one of my favorite memories of Ronnie was at our Junior College graduation, he was our speaker and he spoke of his sister Tina.  It was there I learned at what magnitude he loved his family.  I never knew someone could love their family that much.  I had always known he was a great person, but this was the icing on the cake that confirmed everything I knew about him.  He was always supportive of me and my goals, not everyone thought I could finish, but Ronnie always did. 

Six years later when we graduated from Stanislaus State with our respective degrees,  he was not surprised I was there to graduate with him because Ronnie always believes we can accomplish anything and he has more faith in us than we do in ourselves.   At his graduation party I was fascinated by all his pictures of him with the President of the United States, I believe he even had one with President Reagan who is and will always be my favorite President.  I am not sure how he met all those Presidents, but it was impressive.  That night he gave me a locket with pictures of our younger selves and our 4 graduation dates inscribed on the back, I still have it locked away.    We now live several hours apart and it is so nice we can still stay connected through Facebook and see how each other are doing. 

As I made my way across that 8 th grade stage to get my diploma there was Angie smiling. We had made it and we felt like we had conquered the world. From late night school plays to sharing our lives at recess and chats after school we had a special bond.

Four years later she was one of the first I looked for when I got my high school diploma. Then the road took turns and somehow many years later she stood on the stage with me as we got our AA degrees. Marriage, babies and dirty diapers slowed down the next stage of our lives but somehow God saw to it that she was there when we got our Bachelors degrees. 

The bible tells us:

1 John 4:12

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

That is the beauty of the love that a good friend gives us. A true friend, a good person, excepts us for who we are and not for what we are. To often people find our flaws or weaknesses our medical conditions and they turn away. Not people like Angie. Angie loves me for real. You see a true heart does not care about success, money or  Parkinson's symptoms like a blank stare, a weak memory or shaking arms. Instead good friends embrace us because of those challenges we face. Angie is that friend. 

Angie

Now that Ronnie is fighting a new battle with Parkinson’s, I have no doubt in my mind that he will conquer this disease and will live a long life with it.  This is Ronnie we are talking about and if it can be accomplished he will be the one to do it!

As I sit here I can still hear roll call in the my class. Each student says here and we all smile at each other. Another day would begin and we were together. I am blessed in this life and believe it or not I am blessed to have Parkinson's Disease. That is right I am not afraid. Why? How can I be when I have so much love and support on my side. Who can be against me when I have a God that has shown me through the hard times in life that he is there for me. He is there in the laugh of a child,  a hug of a wife and the dimpled smile of a life long friend.

I have many years of this life left and around each corner there will be a challenge, a supporting friend and a God that carries me and keeps me singing Hallelujah. Someday somewhere on this road I travel I will run to Jesus no turning back. Thank God almighty I will be free and I will be with those who love me. Those like Angie who have held my hand and held me up on "My Journey."

Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that wishes would be heard and answered when wished on the morningstar?
Someone thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell.
We know that it's probably magic.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me.

That's What Friends Are For!

Friendship Series

A chance meeting? I think not. It was an early introduction of two people who one day would become lifelong friends. Friends that always miss each other but "never miss" when showing each other true love even in the hardest of times.

I was asked by my school to compete in a speech contest. I was pretty good at speaking but on that night two young beautiful girls would show me how to win a contest. We would meet again and the results the same. But that night started two amazing friendships and today Triina Turula and I are still laughing and loving life TOGETHER as friends. This is Our Journey.

Triina

Like many of you I love starting my day by reading Ron’s blog.  I am inspired and ready to face the day when I have finished reading his “Journey” entries.

I was very honored and humbled when Ron asked me to submit a contribution to his blog series about friendship.  Here is where I tell you that pizza must be brain food because Ron started by saying “Do you remember when we first met?  I do.”  It took some serious thinking to find the memory of a speech competition that we both attended in elementary school.  You see we went to 2 different elementary schools and would not get to know each other as true friends until high school.

Needless to say, my memory is shot and I can speak to a couple of very vivid memories from high school.  I remember the football game that we played/attended after Susan Moody died.  It was raining and we lost.  I just couldn’t believe I could feel that bad – I realized life just wasn’t fair, but the important thing is that you keep on living life the best you can.

The great thing about the Sonora High Class of ’84 is that we all continue to grow and somehow become closer to each other.  Ron also talked about our friend Kym Berry, who went to be with the Lord.  I attended her funeral at her home church.  I was SO proud of the woman that she had become.  She was truly an inspiration to her church, her friends and her family.  Well, I feel the same way about Ron, I am so proud to know him.

It was during those years that our friendship grew. From class meeting, school events and get together's Triina and I would create a friendship that would last. Triina is like that with everyone. She will give the shirt off her back to help others.

Our friendship continued after high school. Even while I traveled for the 4-H program I could often meet up with Triina and visit. I remember we even went to a Sonora High football game one Friday night. As we drove to the away game we had the chance to catch up and visit. I loved to hear her tell stories and she could and still does make me laugh.

Triina

Ron and I see each other every 5 years or so at our class reunion, but we have seen each other in between those reunions too.  I asked Ron to work for me once about 20 years ago (is that right?).  I was working for a college textbook company and we were buying textbooks back from college students at Fresno City College.  Well, it was a beautiful disaster.  The computers all froze up and we had to buy manually – looking up every single book in a buying guide. It was painfully slow.  Ron saved me that buy.

What I didn’t really realize is that was right before Ron’s Chiari surgery and the way he told it, I was not alarmed by the potential danger in this surgery.  Ron is a miracle that way – you don’t know that he is hurting, or frightened because he doesn’t ever let on.  I want to be this way – but I don’t have his gift.

Shortly following this I heard of a benefit that was happening in Sonora to raise money to help pay some of the enormous medical bills that had accumulated.  I called the organizer and helped as best I could from far away.  In typical fashion I got a simple message from Ron – “I know what you did”.

 Ron – I wish I could have done more!

I so vividly remember that generous gift from Triina. Her family donated a painting done by Joel Barber (Spelling) the art teacher from Columbia College to be sold at the benefit. What is even more amazing is that when they did not think it was selling for enough they bought it themselves to support the efforts.

Since then there have been dinner at my house, reunions and now a walk through Parkinson. She has been there with my family for all the good and bad. When kids were born she held them, when events needed to be organized she supported them and now when challenges come my way she does not stand by my side but instead she carries my family through them.

The bible tells us:

Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but kind words cheers it up.

This is Triina! Always there with words of encouragement. Always there to tell a funny story. Always there to love and support. ALWAYS THERE! Whether it is a fundraiser for an ill friend, to hold a hand when a loved one is lost or to carry us when we are challenged her love amazes all.

Triina

On another note – Ron and my younger brother Rob are often mistaken for each other.  Both have met a POTUS (Rob met Carter and Ron met Reagan).  Both excelled in their respective service clubs – Rob in Scouts (he was an Eagle Scout) and we all know about Ron and 4H.  And they are both very tall.  I think it is a nice mistake.

So here it is.  True friends pick up where they left off.  I can call Ron and he will get me a whole pig (cooked in the ground) for our 20th reunion.  He can call me and ask for anything and if it is in my power I will do it.  It is a natural feeling that never feels like work.  Ron you have helped me in these past days by sharing your faith.  I have struggled with putting my fears and my worries in God’s hands and actually letting go.  You help me find my faith every time I read your blog.  Thank you my friend.

No, Thank you Triina. Thank you for always understanding and given love and advice in good and hard times. Thank you for loving me and now my family. But mostly, Thank you for carrying me through life with love and laughter as I make "My Journey."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyTpu6BmE88

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe, I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well, you came in loving me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way
I thank you

Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
The words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Isaiah 53:5

Editors Note: Hello! I have missed you all and I am sorry for the delay. Sometimes we just have to take a breath and collect our thoughts. Tomorrow night I will continue my series on Friendship but tonight I wanted to update you on my life with Parkinson's. Thank you to all who are reading and encouraging me and thank you Lynn for tonight's title idea. 

As I sit here listening to Chris Tomlin I am reminded of how much God loves me. He is a Good Father. When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's I did not know what to expect. There is not a day that passes that I am told by someone that they know someone with Parkinson's. Then they tell me all about the wheel chairs, or walkers or how they passed away.

This saddens me and I am so sorry to hear this challenge that they are going through. My friend Chris Luckie fights the fight everyday and Parkinson's has been very hard on her. But her faith encourages us all. She is a constant positive support to those of us just starting our journey.

My cousin Sara fights the battle each day with her Dad. He is stubborn but his will power carries him through the walk. When I see her she encourages me. Really, with all that she is doing daily she has time to encourage me? I love you so much Sara Clare!

The thing I think we must remember about Parkinson's is that it is different for each person and it is different EVERYDAY! Last week someone actually thought I had died from Parkinson's. So tonight I want to clear some things up.

I AM NOT DYING!

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease; however many patients are only mildly affected and need no treatment for several years after the initial diagnosis.In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others. As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities. 

Parkinson's itself is not a fatal condition and in itself will not kill you. As a matter of fact, the life expectancy with Parkinson's is only slightly shorter than most people without the disease if you catch it early and take good care of yourself.

However, complications of Parkinson's are usually what shorten life expectancy in people with this condition. Death due to Parkinson's related complications isn't too common, but it can occur. Early detection, treatment, and assistance with living help reduce the risk. Here are some of the things that can lead to death from Parkinson's:

1. Aspiration Pneumonia 2. Falls 3. Dementia

How Long Can You Live with Parkinson's?

• Men are at a 60% increased risk of death due to Parkinson's

• The average age of death with Parkinson's is around 81 years' old

• The average life expectancy after diagnosis is about 16 years

• People that have severe cognitive dysfunction or mental manifestations are at a 50% higher risk of death.

Parkinson's affects the way muscles function. This can cause problems with the throat and/or vocal cord muscles that close the throat off from the lungs when swallowing. As a result, food and fluids may enter the lungs leading to pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is extremely serious.

The shuffling gait and stiff legs that occur with Parkinson's raises the risk of falls. People with Parkinson's are at high risk of head injuries and hip fractures. Both of these cause an increased risk of death.

Research continues to find the reason why people with dementia seem to be at higher risk of early death with Parkinson's. This is because dementia usually only affects cognitive function and not motor skills. A lack of adequate help in the home or caregiver may have a profound effect on people suffering from both Parkinson's and dementia, as these two conditions together would need increased supervision.

Life expectancy with Parkinson's depends on how early you are diagnosed and begin treatment. The longer you wait, the higher your risk of complications that could shorten your life. In general, people with Parkinson's do have a slightly shorter life expectancy. Does Parkinson's kill you? Not the condition itself. Can complications from Parkinson's contribute to an earlier death? Yes.

Studies show that death due to complications of Parkinson's occurs anywhere from 2 years after diagnosis all the way up to 37 years after diagnosis. Again, it isn't actually Parkinson's that shortens life expectancy, but the complications. 

So I am a long way away from my 80's and if you have seen me I look pretty good.Yes I shake but not as bad as the medicines have really helped. Yes I forget things. We all do! Yes I have lost weight since the diagnosis but I needed to loose that 20 pounds so it was a blessing. This is probably because I have become aware of what I am eating and how much I am eating. I am teaching myself to eat slower so that when I am older I hope it will help with the challenges that Parkinson's can cause. I also have nausea from the medicine and soemtimes dinner just does not sound good. 

Yes I can have the Parkinson's stare and look on my face. But my mind is smiling and laughing and I am happy. How can I not be happy? With all the challenges we face we all also have pretty good lives here in this great country.

I am also learning to walk slower. Shorter steps and heel first. This has helped with the stumbling and when I am older I hope this life change will help keep me from the falls that can hurt Parkinson;'s sufferers. 

I am not dying. I am not leaving my job. I LOVE MY JOB!. I am retiring from 4-H because I do need to take it a little bit easy but I am alive and well. Yes I have struggles but I also have God.

You see my God is great and he gave everything so that I can live a great life. Through God I am blessed and through God I am HEALED. He is always by my side no matter the struggle and trust me there are many struggles in my life that can be more challenging then Parkinson's. 

Thank you for taking this journey and for reading my story and sharing my blog. The calls of support and encouragement are daily reminders that I live in a great community of many amazing people.  

Tomorrow I will climb out of bed. I will have slept very little but I will head out into the world with an angle on my shoulder, God by my side and an amazing community walking with me on "My Journey."

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.



"How Great Is Our God"

The splendor of a king
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father, Spirit and Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God

Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

Name above all names
You are worthy of all praise
And my heart will sing
How great is our God

[3x]
How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God