Denim & Diamonds: A Parkinson's Event

It is no secret that Parkinson's is a disease that is near and dear to my heart. My papa Collins was diagnosed with this crippling illness before I was even born. He was barely 50 years old when he realized what was giving him the tremors on one side of his body. For many years, he lived a normal life with little to no symptoms. But the latter part of his life was robbed by Parkinson's. I watched my papa deteriorate before my eyes for the last decade or more of his life.

There is no cure for Parkinson's. There is no rhyme or reason thus far of how/why people get it. My family has spent a great deal of time, money, & energy into learning about the disease as well as helping others to understand it, get treatment, and hopefully one day cure it. The Bill Collins Parkinson's Center is one of the biggest ways my family has tried to overcome this disease. People come from all over the tri-state area to receive treatment here, and it is making a difference in the lives of many.

But what most people don't realize is that this disease affects more than the person who has it. It affects his/her spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, etc. The Parkinsons Support Center of Kentuckiana was designed to help those surrounding a Parkinson's victim to understand the disease and feel part of a greater community.

This year my mom co-chaired their annual fundraiser Denim & Diamonds. I was so excited to be able to attend the 7th annual event to see my mom's hard work in action as well as support a great cause.

Truly a great night of learning more about Parkinson's, participating in a live auction, bourbon tasting, gourmet country food, and dancing the night away! Great job Mom!!

My Old Kentucky Home

My mom left the last Saturday in May to return back to Kentucky. I cried for 3 straight days. I hate when she leaves. I hate that we don't live in the same city. I don't care if that makes me a baby...and believe me there are people who will try to make me feel that way. I think it speaks volumes to how close we are and how much I cherish my time with my mom. I can only hope that Adelaide will feel the same when she grows up.

So Ryan couldn't help but see the sadness and booked us a surprise flight home to Kentucky. We spent Thursday through Tuesday there which was wonderful. Most of the time we hardly left the house because it was filled with laughter and love, swimming and sliding, kissing and cuddling with Kendahl's kids.

Adelaide got a special treat when Uncle Shane & Aunt Amanda took her to play with their kittens and ride on their horses!

Thankful for a husband who knew just what I needed and for the ability to travel home to where my heart is ;)