The American Heart and Stroke Association CEO breakfast

Something that is so important to all non-profit organizations are their volunteers. One thing I have learned with the AHA/ASA is that volunteers come in many forms but we need them to save lives. The American Heart Association saves lives everyday and often you don't see that. Why? The AHA is MISSION driven. What this means is that the money that is raised through its various initiatives goes back into to mission and not as much into the marketing. When I had my heart attack and had a stent placed due to a 70% blockage in my main artery, they were in the room. Its the research dollars and funding that supplies the hospitals with the vital tools they need to save lives.

This brings me back to volunteers. One arm of the volunteer army comes from leadership in various organizations. Its about spreading the message and encouraging involvement. The CEO breakfast was a great way to do that. The CEO and senior leadership from around the Greater Washington Region were invited to a morning of networking, a very heart healthy breakfast and some very inspiring stories.

As I looked around it was great to see a community come together to help save lives. The speakers were so inspiring and their stories really hit home. The special mission moment speaker was Kevin J Payne, President and CEO, DC United. His story reminded me of so many that I had heard as far as not acting on what I call "God's warning signs". I cannot possibly do the story justice but I will say this, his wife is his guardian angel and to the surgeon who just thought your should pain was joint related and gave you surgery...well that is why they call it practicing medicine, right? So frustrating but I am glad you continued to advocate.

The keynote speaker was Kenneth M Duberstein, Chairman and CEO, Duberstein Group, Inc and formally a chief of staff for President Ronald Reagan as well as deputy chief of staff to the President for legislative affairs. His stories were amazing and also spoke on what they used to give those who left the White House. The used to give cigarettes with the Presidential seal. They changed that to M&M's. Everything in moderation and certainly 1000% better than smoking!

It was indeed a great morning for a great cause that saved lives.

In loving remembrance

As I woke up yesterday morning and looked in the mirror, I scared myself. My eyes were so swollen because the night prior I cried myself to sleep. I am not sure what possessed the moment but I decided to go through my Father's wallet. I had never done that before yet had it in my possession for 10 years. No, I didn't take it from him but it was part of his belongings when he passed.

I had placed it in my jewelry box and with Father's day approaching it just became fresh again to me. I miss him. I think what triggered the tears is that as a daughter with an amazing older big Brother, I never felt I ranked with my Dad. He always had my back but was strong and tough and frankly my Brother and him where close and I was just the little sister and daughter.

I found a piece of paper in his wallet that he must have had for a while. My numbers where listed first. Seems strange, I know, but somehow it reminded me how much my Dad loved me and that I was not last on his list.

My Father passed on June 7 2000 in Clearwater, Florida. He had congested heart failure and blew out his mitro valve. His symptoms....he started feeling full. This started around 9am and finally after 5, he entered the hospital with my Brother's assistance. He would not let me help him or call the ambulance.

He was a strong man but I am still so very angry at him. If he would have gone earlier in the day, he would still be here.

He had valve replacement and never left the hospital. He was 54 and my Daddy.

So on  June 7, 2012, I continue to cry for him and miss him. Today I want to yell at him. If only he would have listened.

God saw he was getting tired
And a cure was not meant to be
So He put His arms around him
and whispered, "Come with Me".

With tearful eyes
we watched him fade away
Although we loved him dearly,
we could not make him stay

A golden heart stop beating,
working hands were laid to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST

Harold Thomas Pemberton~ I love you Daddy.

Listen to your heart

As I sit hear this morning and yes very early, I am completely surrounded by love. All of the furs are in bed with us so we have our blond,brunette and red head and Carter is snuggling. Life is good. My day started out rough. It was just one of those days but I hit the gym and felt immediately better. Strange how that works, thank you Dr Oz for the advice!

June is hard for me as we approach Fathers Day. My Father passed on June 7th. This date is forever in my head yet society thinks I should be over it. I have lost both parents to heart disease and they were young. 54 and 56 and no.....you are NEVER over  it.

I had a rough day and would have given anything to have been able to speak with my parents. Thankfully my big bro stepped in.

Heart disease is a silent killer. It has taken me off guard and done it like a pro. I just wish the silence was not on the other end of my phone.

I hate January, June and July. (my Mom passed in July)

Time passes yet the dates remain the same.

 Listen to your heart.