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Nominated by Anneliese Fish (fan, baby sister, cookie dough)
I once read a quote, “In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.” How true this statement is!
I love my sisters as much as I love my children, as much as I love red wine, as much as I love chocolate cake, all the things which I cannot live without. In all seriousness, I look up to my sisters more than anyone else in this world. They are both smart and beautiful, levelheaded and compassionate. They have helped guide me through life, and I know they will be there as long as I need them. My life would not be complete without them, much like cookies are not the same without chocolate chips!
My sister Martha, in particular, is extremely special. She is one of those people that brighten everyone’s lives. Without exaggeration, every single person I know that has ever met her has nothing but amazing things to say about her. She has the best sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She is diplomatic and one of the most concrete thinkers I know. She is so smart, both academically and emotionally, I just cannot say enough about her. She is an eternal optimist; she does not dwell on negativity, which is an amazing feat because she hasn’t always been dealt the best cards.
Martha is a successful career woman, who worked very hard to get where she is. She is a constant caregiver both at wor
k and at home. She places herself consistently second to others, a trait so badly needed in today’s world. She serves others, while learning and gaining inspiration from them. Her title is nurse practitioner, but she’s so much more! She is a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, a confidant, and now a Parkinson’s patient. Martha was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year at the young age of 36. She is one of the youngest people ever diagnosed with this incurable disease by the Mayo Clinic. Considering her age, her accomplishments, her children, her life in general, this news was shocking. The lack of answers along with the individualized care involved with this disease have altered all of our lives—but clearly Martha’s and her immediate family’s the most. She has taken this news in stride, with her infamous saying, “It is what it is.” Her medication regimen is experimental, highly involved, and somewhat uncertain. Given her young age, it is not known the consequences and effectiveness of some of the powerful medications she is subjected to. She has been angry and disappointed, sad and mournful, but she keeps moving forward. Martha is proactive in her care, mentally and physically, and she doesn’t let any of her setbacks stand in her way! She is not allowing this disease to define her or determine the value her life holds.
I would like to nominate my sister for the yoga retreat on Madeline Island. Not only does she deserve a few days away of downtime to focus on her body, mind, and spirit, but research shows there are great benefits in yoga practices for Parkinson’s patients. My sister embodies what your periodical stands for. Martha is a strong, faithful, Christian woman. Her FAITH has guided her through many hardships in her life, and it is her goal to raise her children in a Catholic household. Her FAMILY, both immediate and extended, are her foundation. She is the glue that keeps our family together. She has taken many steps in life to establish FINANCIAL security for herself and her family, including excelling in her extended education. Martha has more FRIENDS than anyone I know. She is so kind she makes friends with strangers. And finally, Martha has always been a FIT person. Now more than ever, it is a necessity that she take care of her body so that she may preserve her health as long as possible. It is so important to introduce her to the comprehensiveness of yoga, realizing it is the best exercise she can practice as a Parkinson’s patient.
I respectfully request your full and active consideration of this remarkable woman, my sister, my chocolate chip, as one to be awarded this unique lifetime experience, the Madeline Island Yoga Retreat.
