Condolences to Paula's Family

[violet green]

As one of the group working on the book which Paula initiated and inspired, it was my privilege to meet Paula and enjoy her company in Glasgow, FLorida, NJ and Washington DC. All better because Paula was there.

We'd like to make sure these condolences reach her family. If you don't want yours sent, please PM me. Otherwise we will forward them to Paula's family on Friday.

Rest well my friend.

katherine
aka violet green

[Robin Elliott]

In the loss of Paula Wittekind, the Parkinson’s community bids farewell to a lovely friend, a fine mind, and a courageous and indefatigable presence. To the end, she fought quietly but effectively against her own infirmities and against the indifference of institutions that she felt could always do more to wage serious war against Parkinson’s. But in all of these ventures – whether it was the legendary Parkinson’s Pipeline Group, which she co-founded, the Parkinson’s Action Network, or my own organization, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation – Paula served as an effective research advocate, always finding a way to deflect attention from herself and her own needs, to others and the work they were doing to advance the interests of her community.

I last spoke to Paula by telephone a few weeks before she died, finding a rare downtime moment between the visits of pilgrims from various parts of her life who were visiting her home in Cocoa, FL – people like Perry Cohen, Peggy Willocks and other heroes of our community. In a just few minutes, she swept away the sadness and trepidation that I brought to the call and replaced them with feelings of love, respect, a laugh or two, and above all inspiration about how I could be working in her wake a little bit harder, a little bit better … and a lot more meaningfully. What a gift she made to me personally during this single conversation, and how much I value it.

Thank you, Paula, from all of us. May your wonderful and far-flung family treasure their memories of you. And may they know how many lives you touched, how deeply … and with what profound effect.

Robin Anthony Elliott, Parkinson's Disease Foundation

[violet green]

Paula's sister Merilee wrote to me and asked that I forward this information to you.

"I know all her forum family sent condolences in the neurotalk website but could you put out the word that i would like to see their names in the memorial book also. The direct website is : www.floridamemorialfh-gardens.com/ you can then click on obituraries or her name at left and sign the book ( published on 11-10-12 ). There you may also view the pictures that will be on the slideshow. We hope to have the actual video of her memorial posted asap so her extended family can view that also."


Thank you for sharing your memories and emotions on this forum and with Paula's family.

katherine

[Thelma]

Bump up to read merilees request

[harley]

Ode

Dawn breaks
bringing my dreams of longing to the surface.
My head leaves the loneliness of the pillow
to confront daylight
shining with forbearance through my window.
At last, I know it is time to mourn.

Your favorite chair taunts me
while it tries to hold the mist of your image.
Looking vacantly upon it,
I bow my head from the weight of desperate need.
My search for reason has run empty.
Your ghost cannot be my torment.

I need to feel you
outside of the disappearing memories.
There is more to you than a whirlpool of tears.
By facing the realization of your death
my heart will be granted a cushion
to survive the blows of emptiness.

The wonder of who you were
no longer deserves my prideful pain.
Something that is vibrant cannot drown
a sanctified disfigured casualty.
You deserve so much more.
Your legend is precious and must be kept pure.

This day I will glorify you.
My eyes will see the beauty of your solo flight.
The wind of tranquility now carries you,
where no shadow of pain crosses your brow
nor wetness from fear falls from your eye.
You have no need to plea for relief.
You are complete...
you are complete.

As I watch your vision illuminate,
the inner peace you have found surrounds me.
I am able to find a calm.
Securely wrapped in your halo,
you extend a hand toward me.
showing me…
Yes.
I now know.
You are at rest.

©Laura J Dean

[Bob Dawson]

I have been many places and seen many things and tangoed or tangled with many people and I just want to say that Paula W was one of the greatest human beings I met in 63 years. I love her very truly.

The last time I heard from her she said that she was not afraid, she had faith, she was a true believer, and she knew that she was in good hands.

Paula W was one of the great spirits of the age.

I will let Dylan say it for me because he says it best:

Covenant woman
got a contract with the Lord
Way up yonder,
Great will be her reward
We hit a wall
And we were broken,
Shattered like an empty cup
But the Lord is there to help us
And fill us all back up
And I know that he will do it
Because he's faithful and he's true
He must love us oh so much
To have sent us
someone as fine as you

[Thelma]

This is from Catherine passing on the familys request to please put your comments and memories on her official guestbook





Paula's sister Merilee wrote to me and asked that I forward this information to you.

"I know all her forum family sent condolences in the neurotalk website but could you put out the word that i would like to see their names in the memorial book also. The direct website is : www.floridamemorialfh-gardens.com/ you can then click on obituraries or her name at left and sign the book ( published on 11-10-12 ). There you may also view the pictures that will be on the slideshow. We hope to have the actual video of her memorial posted asap so her extended family can view that also."


Thank you for sharing your memories and emotions on this forum and with Paula's family.

katherine