Paula, Jaye, Carolyn, Jean, Charlie, CS, Steve, John, Annelise, et al:

Thank you for your wonderful birthday wishes! I returned home late last night from the home of my birthday hosts in Seattle, and was surprised and happy to find this thread!

Saturday dawned sunny; we had champagne toasts on the balcony with Lake Washington and the Cascade mountains as a backdrop; by 3:00 p.m. there was a snowman on the corner across the street! The expected and understood result (no really sane person would venture out on Seattle’s hilly streets with more than a trace of snow) was a rash of apologetic regrets; the insane result was a cohort of about 25 hardy souls who showed up to help me celebrate. It was an eclectic combination of family, old friends, former work colleagues, and PD associates.

Luckily, the snow turned to rain, and everyone arrived home safely with only slushy streets to traverse.

To CS – I was celebrating my 50th, feeling renewed in spirit and body. I used the occasion to raise money for the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. Foundation CEO Bill Bell arrived early and stayed late; much laughter ensued as I publicly announced that I was beginning to train to ride the 200-mile Seattle to Portland bike ride for the Foundation’s Team Parkinson’s next July. Large amounts of money were pledged for my participation on the bet that there was no way that I would ever even begin the ride let alone finish it! I have a lot riding on my shoulders!

To Charlie – I am really not going anywhere new – I am just leaving PAN. I still plan to be active in PD advocacy, with more of a local emphasis, and nationally lending my efforts to broader areas of interest such as mental health and chronic illness. It was just time for a change.

Paula – you are the first person I ever contacted who had PD; we have survived much together, and there is more ahead. I love you! Jaye – We bunked together at my first Forum in 2002; you really took a chance on a stranger; you, your family and home have been welcoming to me ever since - Namaste! Carolyn - I met you at that first Forum in 2002; your dedication inspires me! Jean – You immersed yourself in PD advocacy immediately – I admire your creativity and perseverance! Tribe, all, to the core!

Steve - Your consistent kindness and incredible level of understanding make this forum as homey as my mother's living room - your service is invaluable and much appreciated!

John – Many happy returns to your father, and gratitude for your good thoughts!

Annelise – as an American of Scandinavian descent (Danish), and inhabitant of northern climes, I love the advent and solstice, and their attention of bringing light to darkness. Thank you!

This forum means so much to me – thank you all for being here with the best information and support on the planet!