Sometimes when I think about my life, it’s incredible even to me. I’m sure you could all say the same thing. We all go through so much and keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. It’s our intent and attitude that is so important and gets us through- that and a lot of help and encouragement from family and friends.

By this time in January of 2010 I had started a non-profit, put all my belongings in storage, purchased an RV, had my dogs Patch and Wilma all fixed up with shots and health clearances, and was ready-or so I thought-to spend the year traveling the country interviewing kids about their health for Shine The Light On Kids.

I could not have imagined how this year would unfold for me, nor could I thank everyone who helped me with this journey and this latest phase/era of my life without writing a book…so…I am doing just that! My literary agent has read some of my book-my personal journey the past three years- and is very encouraging.

I have so many people to thank for all their support in so many ways this year and throughout the years.

My children Olivia, Kathryn and Russell and my son-in-law David might have thought (think) I was (am) a little nuts, but encouraged (and still do) me and supported me all the way. My children, especially my grand daughter Brealyn, are the reasons I do what I do.

My sisters Joanne, Margaret, Dorothy and Ruth, especially Margaret who traveled the first two weeks with me and is so generous of spirit and Joanne, who emailed or called me along the way to check in and see how I was doing.

My Mom, who is 89 years old, didn’t quite understand it all, but believed in me just the same. “Patsy-dear, you’re spending all your money, but how are you making it?” “That will come later Mum, don’t worry.” I’d worry about that later-food and a roof over my head weren’t things I worried as much about as I should have.

My dear friends Nancy, Victoria, Ann, Pat, Marina, John and Nancy, Scott and Toni, Sharon and Rita constantly cheered me on, offered advice and often times pulled me up when I was exhausted and just this side of despair. I don’t stay down for long, it’s not in my nature, but income I counted on evaporated and I had to cash in my retirement to continue, I had an accident in the RV so Patch and Wilma and I found ourselves in a SUV-a little cramped-with a tent, continuing on. Now I laugh, but it wasn’t always funny.

I met new friends along the way that I have become friends with-Deanna from Florida and Gary from Ontario are two examples of new people in my life who affected me greatly and whose friendship I am thankful for. Old friends from home like Karen and Marco and their daughters who are now in Boston, Jan who is now in Maine. C.J. and Robert in Montana, Rita in Twisp, Washington and my cousin Margaret and her husband Ian in Washington. Also in Washington is my friend Hazel and her friends, now my friends. My son-in-law’s parents in New Mexico put me up for a couple days and took such good care of me. Darrell and Coach at The Boy’s and Girl’s Club in New Orleans have encouraged me for a few years now and it was great to see them. Marilyn in Boulder welcomed me into her home for a few days and, like her sister Nancy, my good friend from home, was gracious and kind as well as supportive. John and his family in Pennsylvania who I have known via email for a few years, but now I have met him and his family in person. Nancy and Rachel from Wellness in the School in NYC as well as Bill Telepan and everyone else involved in this incredible non-profit. My new friends in almost every state gathered kids for me and welcomed me into their schools, communities and homes. Every time I think about it, I get choked up. The goodness of people, especially when your mission is kid’s health, is overwhelming.

I also need to thank everyone along the way who work with kid’s day in and day out. They are my heroes. The parents who do their best are the ultimate heroes. It’s not easy raising children, but it’s the most important job and privilege and if we raise kind, self-confident, healthy kids, we have succeeded. Then there are those who perhaps don’t have children of their own-perhaps they do- people who brought kids to me to interview on their days off. People who never leave home because their own communities need them like Rose in South Dakota at the Pine River Reservation. People like Jim in South Chicago at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, with a very proud smile on his face when he told me ‘his’ kids eat whole wheat bread on their sandwiches now. People who work tirelessly with their non-profits all across the country. I could go on and on, but these adults were inspiring for me. I think that is what a hero is-someone who humbly goes about their business day in and day out, doing their best to help.

My personal journey was interesting for me as well. I learned about how much strength I have. I learned that I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. I gained confidence as a woman, thanks to Gary. I was lacking in that area, but no more. I learned that no matter where I was, there is so much good and so much hope. We all pull together when need be and help each other through.

I am so proud of all of us.

Here we are 2011, ready or not!