Oh Paula, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have so admired your courage, compassion, curiosity and directness. You still have it. I wish you peace. and a chance for finding what you need. with much fondness, madelyn

Paula, you know my feelings already.

You introduced me to the phrase 'herding cats'. It was new to me.

You've been herding ideas, studies, people, loose ends, and us for years; connecting us together, and moving us on, pulling us out of trees, turfing us out of too comfortable places, demanding that we get on out there and do something, sometimes treading on our tails, reminding us of the urgency and never giving up.

The herd is growing and getting more clamourous, and I can't imagine it without you. Stay on the journey as long as you can, you will be there in our collective fur, paws, claws and whiskers, and you will have gone home.

Paula,,
You have had such good advice and good wishes, I can only echo them. Unfortunately, I have never met you, but you can tell a person's character from the way they write, and you are trully a warrier, but a compasionate one.
You never know what is round the corner, and the cavalry could come yet. So many cases of peoplr beating the Doc's diagnosis, that it almost seems like the norm rather than the exception.
Carry on beingg an inspiration Paula.
best wishes
Ron

I am so saddened by this information that I hardley know what to say. At first I am selfish, thinking that I don't want any one I depend upon - and I as well as others do depend upon you in many ways - to leave this world. Then I think about you and how you must feel. I am sure your faith will help you though this.

I remember once a television documentary about a woman who was told her condition was terminal. She was questioned on how she could bear this information. She replied that every one must die, that even the adorable baby you see in your travels, once born must eventually face dying.

Yes, dying is part of living, but I just wish it wasn't so. I will be thinking of you.

Ann

Tears for you, my dear friend whom i have never met. Wise woman, elder, teacher --- now please teach us how to proceed out of here with grace---still believe in miracles, praying for your peace and illumination, and thanking you for sharing your soul with this profoundly strange fellowship that has drifted together here

With gratitude, respect and love

Paula, this can't be happening. You're why I fight so hard. You are so strong.

although we have never met, I just know you are a nice person and your good nature reaches out. You have always made myself and others welcome on "the board" and I cannot help but feel angry that you have such bad luck with your health.

For the first time I really don't know what to say.

Take real good care,
Neil.

jes123 : <QUOTE>i have just been hit by the proverbial 2 x 4; my world has been rocked and i am sad beyond belief. just this morning, i learned that a dear friend & fellow pd patient, paula from florida has been dxed with esophageal cancer.this is just the icing on the cake for dealing with the devestating effects of pd for over the past 20 yrs-
15 of those years as a very good friend to me...traveling to peoria to support me when i have had my fundraisers and galas. paula is always here-right where i needed her, dyskinetic as hell, and having the time of her life. paula especially loves the bands that i had to play at my events (ready, steady, go is a particular fave!). she can dance for hours unmindful of the pd for the short time that she can abandon herself to the music. i applaud her choice of quality of life rather than to undergo chemo and radiaation just to buy extra days. i love you paula and i am just a bit jealous. you are right when you say that parkinson's prepares you for death-in a good way. it forces one to set priorities and to live in the joy of the moment. thank you for teaching me to dance</Quote>

i have not seen any pwp suffer as you do. and yet you make me laugh. that's the trick. i love you.

...that you are one of my favorites. you were not judgemental when i was insane on the wrong medicines. i have lived my life pretty openly here - it's like home and you are a family member. thanks for being my friend.