Welcoming Our Hillary Campaign Staffer!

Mom and Eisha

We are so excited to welcome Eisha, a Hillary campaign staff member, to stay with us for the duration of the election season!

Melissa and Eisha

While I was napping Monday afternoon, Eisha arrived with another staffer, Melissa, in tow.

We had a lovely dinner with Eisha and got to know her a bit--she's fresh out of college, smart, enthusiastic, polite, and ready to work really hard for Hillary. And, thankfully, she loves the dogs!

Eisha has settled into my den for the duration of her stay, and we hope she will make herself at home. Hopefully she'll get a few breaks here and there for us to share a meal with her, but these folks work all hours of the day, seven days a week. 

Eisha, Gershwin and Me

I'm really excited that Mom and I feel that my health now allows us to host someone for this long during the campaign. It feels like a perfect way to help with the election. Eight years ago we also hosted, but only for a short time because my health was too poor.

Welcome to our home, Eisha! We look forward to getting to know you and being your host family!

Thank you for your hard work to help elect Hillary for President!

Blessings,

Emily

Summer Visit: Jamie and Kiddos

Reunited! So Happy to See Jamie!

Summer has been busy with visitors and I'm behind on keeping up!

Jamie and her kiddos popped into town for a visit. 

Jamie and I became friends playing Ponytail Softball with Parks and Rec in the days when that was one of the only sports for girls and we were part of the same circle of eight girls who remained friends from 7th grade though the end of high school.

Other than running into Jamie briefly a few years ago, I have not seen her to catch up face to face in over a decade, so this was a very special and meaningful visit.

It was made extra-special because I got to meet her two little ones.

It was super hot, so we hung out in my backyard and got out the baby pool, bowls, tupperware, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. The kids had lots of fun! (Thanks, Mom, for setting it all up.)

Let's not go another decade without getting together, Jamie! 

Thank you for taking the time to visit and to hang out with your sweet little ones.

Blessings,

Emily

Great Girl Time With Marla!

Going OUT to Dinner!

Today, I'm resting, recuperating and reflecting on a special visit from Marla.

This girl. She is the best.

Marla has been one of the most faithful of friends on this journey. 

We met freshman year of college in our eating house and by senior year we were roommates. I missed out on being a bridesmaid or attending her wedding. I have never met her children in person. I haven't seen her husband, a fellow Davidson grad, since graduation. I've never been able to visit her.

Marla just remains steadfast and loyal through it all. 

Painted Nails

She's been here to visit several times, including during the Year of the Pajama. She's been here when all I could do was sit in the recliner for a little while and chat. The rest of the time she would read, rest, run or chat with my mom.

She loves Mama Renee. They chat. Mom feeds Marla 'on the hour'. 

I am just so happy about this particular visit with Marla. It's the first time I haven't been suffering through the visit. I don't think we ever even left the house on any of her other visits. She was last here three years ago, right before my major improvements began.

We Enjoyed the La Crema at Dinner (I Discovered 2 Glasses is, um, Too Much!)

We had real honest to goodness fantastic girl time.

We painted our nails together. We gabbed. We watched a movie together (My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2). We went shopping at Ulta and she helped me pick out new eye make-up and body scrub and foot scrub. She introduced me to all sorts of fun new products. We went to the wine store and she showed me all kinds of fun wines to try and treated Mom and I to some wines she likes. We went out to dinner at my favorite Thai and Sushi restaurant. We went shopping at a little local gallery shop. I drove her all around in town in my little Red Curry. I picked her up and dropped her off at the airport.

Saying Goodbye at the Airport

I have missed out on girl time like this. And my heart is so full. This is what I imagine a girls weekend to really be like--sharing experiences like watching chick-flicks, painting nails, going shopping for make-up. 

And talking. A lot. A whole lot. 

Marla, my friend, thank you. You have made such incredible efforts to maintain this friendship, even when I cannot. You sing my song for me when I cannot. You move mountains to make visits happen. And you keep coming back so that we can renew our friendship over and over. We grow and learn together. Nothing beats face-to-face, one-on-one time together.

I love you.

Blessings,

Emily

Mini Davidson Reunion: Patrick and Erin + The Joy of Feeling Better

Reunited 17 Years After Graduation

May 17th marked 17 years since my graduation from Davidson. I don't think a year goes by that I don't get to see at least one friend from Davidson--and this year I got to see Patrick for the first time since graduation!

This is my third mini-reunion of the year! I saw Loralea and Amanda while at the beach.

Out for Ice Cream

I also got to meet his wife, Erin, whom I have been texting with and keeping up with on Goodreads for quite some time now. So, it was wonderful to meet finally meet her in person.

Mom and Kiernan made sure we had a fantastic meal to enjoy together.

Chef Kierny Gets Some Cuddles From The Kids

Tomato Cucumber Salad

We had a locally sourced meal of tomato cucumber salad, quinoa asparagus salad, a frittata, and strawberries. I feel badly that I did not get a pic of Kiernan's tasty frittata!

Local Strawberries!

Delicious Quinoa Asparagus Salad

Cute Couple!

After lunch, we took Patrick and Erin on a short tour of town, a trip to the arboretum, and to get ice cream at everyone's favorite place. 

Oh! Another Cute Couple!

Patrick and I have been friends since our freshman year at Davidson, and he is one of the few male friends I have. I'm always grateful for his perspective and encouragement. He's been loyal, faithful and supportive throughout my illness in ways that have deeply moved me. At Davidson, he was one of the few men I allowed to be close to me.

We both talked about how our experiences at Davidson were difficult in some ways because we were in the minority politically, socially and religiously, but that we cannot imagine trading the education we received or the friends we gained. 

Patrick is one of those friends. 

And Erin is now too. I'm grateful to have met her and to call her my friend now as well.

The Gang's All Here

It was amazing to be able to spend almost FIVE hours together--eating, talking, going for a StRoll around the arboretum, going out for ice cream. 

Patrick and I topped off our day by texting while watching the Warriors game that evening. :) 

Patrick asked me how I would feel after the visit. I said I would be tired, but I would be okay. And I am okay. I could thoroughly enjoy the visit and pay only a very small price afterwards. To put this in perspective, even six months ago I would have been reclining after lunch, we wouldn't have gone out afterwards, and I would have been sick all evening and very tired the next day. 

The best way I have to quantify this is on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst symptoms. In years past, I have had to pay in 10s to have visitors, even for short periods of time. I would need extra pain meds, extra sleep meds, anti-nausea meds and more to get rest and control symptoms. Now, my visits are longer, I'm sitting upright, I'm fully enjoying and I might pay with a 3 or 4 in symptoms after the visit is over. And maybe I just need a little extra Klonopin or a little Ambien to calm my ANS down a bit for sleep.

This makes having visitors so much more joyful. I often wonder how I ever survived day after day with my symptoms at a level 10.

But I did. And here I am now. Here I am now, enjoying my company to the fullest.

Friends. Always.
Obligatory Pic On the Infamous Sofa! :)

Thank you, Patrick and Erin, for making the trip to see me, for spending so much time with us, for your generosity, kindness, compassion and friendship over the years. Being together was beyond wonderful--it was so uplifting for the soul to talk in person and hug you both!

May we never ever go 17 years without seeing each other!

Blessings and Love,

Emily

A Visit With Miss Erika, Asher's Gotcha Day and How to Catch Up on Blogging

Miss Erika Visits At The Beach!

I'm struggling to find a pattern for blogging. I'd like to blog more about the beach, continue to blog on what is going on in life right now and also write some more in-depth posts including medical updates and musings on transitioning from illness to wellness.

So, I'm just gonna mix it up and throw in posts of different varieties depending on my energy and time.

Miss Molly

Our time at the beach was so much more social this year than last year. Miss Erika, who had been a caregiver for me in 2005 (my sickest year), came to visit us at the beach. She brought her pooch, Molly.

Erika is another caregiver with whom I have stayed in touch and maintained a friendship. However, we have not seen each other since 2009!

Miss Erika and Asher in July 2009

You can click on the link above to see that blog post, but I also pulled up this photo of Miss Erika with her buddy Asher. It seems fitting to post about Erika's beach visit on the same day as the anniversary of Asher's Gotcha Day because the two were so incredibly bonded. Erika had a special place in her heart for Asher.

Gershwin and Molly

During this visit, we each met each other's new dogs. Gershwin was super excited about a playmate for the day. Tovah Rose was totally uninterested.

Since it was a rainy day, we stayed inside at the condo, ate a leisurely lunch, painted our nails and talked. 

I got to hear from Erika in person that she is pregnant with her first child. 

I've been able to watch these young women we hired as college students grow into adults, seek out careers, move, marry, and have children.

Molly, Erika and Tovah Rose

Erika and I are not going to go another six years without seeing each other, that is for sure. Especially now that a little one is going to be in the picture. :)

Thanks so much for traveling for the day to see us all Erika! What a blessing to see you again and to be a part of your life for the past decade.

Blessings,

Emily

Fest Is Here: Kate Visits!

Kate and Me

It's one of my favorite weeks of the year--our town's arts festival. Last year was the first time I had actually been to Fest since getting sick, but every year I can't wait to see my friends who come into town for the festival and to visit family. 

Sometimes a larger group of us manage to get together, and we really missed being able to have Jess with us today.

Still, I got three hours of one on one time with Kate--which is something that is a tremendous treat. The comfort of being with childhood friends never changes. In fact, I think it just may get better and more meaningful with each passing year--the comfort, the authenticity, the ease of being together, and the knowledge that we're in this for the long haul. 

Can't wait to see you again in three weeks for the reunion, Kate! 

Blessings,

Emily

Summer Visits: Diane and Michael

Mom, Gershwin, Diane, Me, Tovah Rose, Michael (Note: Mom and I did *not* plan identical leg crossing! :))

As usual, our summer is a busy one with out of town visitors. This year has really taken the cake for fantastic visits with old friends and family that we haven't see in way too long.

The Two Lovebirds

Diane and Michael, who last visited in 2007, came for an afternoon of good food (crab cakes, asparagus and carrot salad, potato salad, chocolate chip espresso cookies, gluten free strawberry shortcake with ice cream--and as many items fresh and local as possible) and good conversation. 

Professor Michael

Some you may remember that mom and I attended Diane and Michael's 45th anniversary party last June, where we were able to be together with the entire Jewish side of our family.

Mom, Gershwin, Diane, and Michael

What a change I've experienced since our last two times with Diane and Michael. We enjoyed a four hour visit them! Lots of talking, catching up, laughter, hugs, and snuggle time with the puppies (Diane loved them!). 

Gershwin, Diane, Michael, Me

It's strange to have gone so long without seeing so many important people in my life, or to have only seen them when I was so very sick. It's new and different to fully enjoy being together and to feel a part of the world in a completely different way now. 

  

I am LOVING every minute of it all.

A Kiss for Tovah from Michael

Diane and Michael: you really are family to us, and we are so thankful for your visit. We will not let so many years pass again before seeing one another. You are beautiful, amazing, wonderful human beings and we love you.

Blessings,

Emily

My Favorite Iowans: Jay and Jeanette

Aunt Jeanette and Cousin Jay

We had an incredibly special, amazing, beautiful, joyful, laughter-filled, fantabulous visit from two of our very favorite people in the whole world--my cousin Jay and my Aunt Jeanette. 

Farmer Darrell with J and J

Dad, ever the farmer, gave J and J a friendly "Iowa style" welcome. Any excuse to get out his John Deere tractor and Dad is ready. :)

Cousin Love

I was last in Iowa 16 years ago for the wedding of another one of our cousins. Let's just say, 16 years is way too long to go without seeing my favorite cousin. I just wanted to hug Jay a thousand times.

The best part? We picked up as if we had never been apart. It was a truly special weekend, and we hope very much that next time Jay's wife, Kim, and their two children, Cora and Sawyer, can join us.

Jeanette, Me, Jay

Many of my Iowa memories are of sitting at Jeanette's kitchen table talking and talking to her, hanging out with Jay on the farm tractors, in the pig barns, and tagging along with him to ballgames or wherever he was going. 

As we sat around the patio table Sunday afternoon--just Jeanette, Jay and me--it felt as if we were back in Iowa again, a familiarity so ingrained in our beings.

Skyping with Kim, Cora and Sawyer

Uncle Howdy wasn't able to join us this past weekend because he is busy with farm work. Jay, who lives in Seattle, had a conference to attend, so worked in a way to stop here first. Jeanette decided to join him, which made the visit, well, doubly special. 

Jay and I did get to Skype for a few minutes with Kim, Cora, and Sawyer. 

A Very Happy Reunion

Even before my parents married, they always stayed with Uncle Howdy and Aunt Jeanette. After Jay and I joined their lives, we continued to stay with Howdy and Jeanette during most visits to Iowa. Jeanette became like a second mother to me, and Jay was likely the closest thing I ever had to a brother. At the end of a messy day on the farm, Jeanette even threw us into the bathtub together! Oh how I wish I had one of those photos to scan here!

Abbie, Me, Jeanette, Mom

Mom cooked dinner for all of us on Saturday evening--pork, asparagus, salad, rice pilaf, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies--and we enjoyed a big gathering with Dad, Abbie, Jay, Jeanette, Mom and me. 

Iowa Family

I love that my parents and Abbie can all be together comfortably--I give Abbie and Mom so much credit for being so kind and wonderful to each other. 

Sharing a Meal

Mom was running a little behind with a couple of things before dinner started, and Abbie stepped in to set the table and help out. When I saw the two of them in the kitchen together, I smiled--and I felt very fortunate.

Fresh Market Flowers

Even a year ago, being in large groups and laughing a lot made me feel very symptomatic because of the sensory overload. Being able to fully enjoy dinner together in a large group and laugh without my heart pounding forcefully in frustration made the occasion even more joyful.

When I am less overwhelmed by my physical symptoms, I am able to be more fully present in the beautiful moments happening around me and to me.

Beautiful Local Food

On Sunday afternoon, Jay and Jeanette drove over from Dad and Abbie's (where they stayed), and we visited outside. That evening, Jay and Jeanette came back over for dinner with Mom and me. 

We really enjoyed having the various visits with different people at each one. 

Chef Mom

Along with the joy of having Jay and Jeanette here, I felt such joy in being able to fully enjoy such a busy weekend. 

Did a Mack truck hit me on Monday? Yes. But it wasn't the kind of Mack truck that used to knock me down for days on end. And the number of hours I sat up, conversed, laughed, and enjoyed has, until now, been unmatched. 

I couldn't have asked for more.

Exactly a year ago, on the same weekend, Mom and I had just traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet Corina. I remember enjoying the trip, but also struggling a great deal, needing a lot of extra medications to get through the pain and agitation of my ANS. Still, the first weekend of June is now becoming a favorite! :)

2012 Visit with Howdy and Jeanette

Aunt Jeanette and Uncle Howdy visited two years ago at the end of July, just after we had gotten Tovah Rose. Things got so busy with being a new mommy to a puppy that I didn't get to blog about their visit.

Jeanette and Howdy

But it was such a wonderful happy visit that I thought I'd post the pics from that visit as well.

Me and Mom

Jeanette, Me, Mom

Aunt Jeanette has been here in 2005, 2012 and now 2014. She's seen me at my very worst in this illness and my very best. It's hard to look back at that very first blog post in 2005 and remember how very sick I was.

Hugs for Howdy!

I couldn't stop hugging my Uncle Howdy when he was here! 

Jeanette with baby Tovah Rose

An Afternoon with Just the Two of Us

I hope Jay and I never go sixteen years without seeing one another again, and that Aunt Jeanette, Uncle Howdy and I are able to keep our visits more regular, just as they were when I was growing up, spending summer days sitting at Aunt Jeanette's kitchen table eating macaroni and cheese or homemade sweet rolls (oh, how I miss those!).

I miss you all already!

Love and Blessings,

Emily