I thought I'd add a post that tells all about Marilyn - the extraordinary person that we all want back with us. So this is a little story of who Marilyn is - please add your own on this post.
I met Marilyn about 7 years ago when she moved to Dolores. She moved there to work for Indian Health Services at the Shiprock Hospital as a Nurse Practitioner. Marilyn has a passion for cardiology and she eventually spent two years in Chinle, AZ working on a cardiology study on the Navajo. She graduated from Vanderbilt - a fact that she is very proud of, a truly academic background. In the realm of family practice she worked for Valley Wide Health in Durango and Mancos and now works at our own Dolores Medical Center. The thing that has always struck me about her is her diligence in really taking great care of people. She analyzes and thinks through every diagnosis - never making assumptions. She uses her knowledge and seeks additional knowledge to do her very best for people every day.
A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced care giver. Marilyn has the knowledge and legal authority to make referalls, prescribe medication - in short make most of the decisions a doctor would with the advantage of being able to spend time with each patient. So that's the work skill side of Marilyn.
I won't wax poetic here about our nearly 4 years together, how wonderful she is (she is) etc. Suffice it to say that Marilyn has stood by me strongly and consistently. We're going to bring her back 100%. I'm excited to read your stories and impressions of Marilyn. I'll keep reading all the posts on this blog to her too.
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Marilyn moved in next door to us here on 6th Street several years ago now. Stephanie, Tracye Lederer and her quickly realized their mutual love for chit-chatting over a good cup of coffee. Shortly after that I found myself with a cup of coffee in hand, abstaining from the girl talk and browsing Marilyn's music collection. I knew right away I had found a new friend in Marilyn.
After leaving Dolores for her work "adventures", Marilyn is now back and we're lucky to have her across the alley with Gareth. Her smile, fun times and espresso machine are always ready for a good visit.
At some point years ago, Marilyn started calling me "Roberta". I honestly can't remember when or why. I miss that name and can't wait to hear it again. Wake up, Marilyn....wake up....
Yea! from us too...just read the blogs from last night and today so far. Rowin's bday party was the best and so much good energy flowing all around and out to you guys. I said to Alex and Steph that we are watching and listening to all of you once again (as we did at Alex and Chris' wedding) and seeing the incredible sweetness of spirit and loving community that you all draw around you and ripple out to others. I know that this journey you are on is already shifting and blessing the lives of the professionals with whom you are working there as well as all of us here and your families and friends. It is a privilege for us to be touched by such amazing young men and women...you most certainly do rock! Michael and Barb
Let me see if I can come up with a Marilyn story, well maybe beside one that doesn't involve her and her sister beating the tar out of me. Most of our childhood, Marilyn and I had a strange brother/sister relationship. We rarely saw eye to eye. Most of it was jealousy on my part. Growing up I hated the fact that I had sisters that were better baseball/softball players than I was. But looking back on it, well it was true. Being 4 years older than Marilyn and 2 years older than Trina, I hated being told that. But it was true.
One day I was out playing with my friends, I must have been about 12-13 years old and I came home and found my youngest sister in the back yard throwing ball after ball after ball up against the brick wall in the back yard, trying to catch ground balls. And ball after ball after ball would go through her legs. I thought it was funny!
The next day same thing. Four days of this I finally went out and asked what she was trying to do. Her response sort of made me laugh. She told me that she was trying to make herself better than me. The next week, she started fielding those ground balls. Well needless to say she won! And that is the type of person she is. That is why I believe if a doctor says she will make a full reacovery but it will take a "year", she will try to do it in 6 months just to prove somebody wrong.
I also remember there was a time when I was in the Marines and would call home. One day I called home and my mom would tell me about this and tell me about that and "oh by the way, did you know Marilyn made the Dean's list?" Of course Marilyns Dean's list and mine were 2 completely different types of list's. So naturally my response went something like this, "Oh really, what did she do and why do you sound so happy about it?"
Marilyn is one of the toughest people I know. Further she loved challenges. Every so often I would call her just to check on her and she would tell me she was going here or going there or going to climb some rock and I wouldn't worry about her. For the first time in I don't know how many years, I worried about her. But then I started thinking about that poor brick wall on the back of my parents house and the abuse it went through and her words to me that one day and I realized, she will win!
Further I would like to say that she couldn't be in better hands right now with Gareth. This is a man I have never met but have gained a ton of respect for. What he did to get her back to this country, was incredible and I just can't thank you enough. You were total "Grace under pressure"!!! I can't wait to meet you. Further I can't wait for the 2 of you to come to Illinois for a visit. There are 3 neices and 3 nephews waiting when you get here.
Marilyn, take your time and get well. We are all thinking of you.
Steve
I know Marilyn from Vanderbilt. She is full of life and lots of fun:-) I am so happy to hear about her progress and will be praying for her recovery.
Elizabeth Davidson Ledford
Two of my favorite things about Marilyn are her intention to live a deep and meaningful life and her playful HILARIOUS spirit. Man that girl can make me laugh. I have a story of Marilyn and I going to a yoga retreat at the Upaya Zen Center in Sante Fe. A week long intensive full of twice daily hour long silent meditations, endless hours of yoga practice and very intense discussions of yoga philosophy in addition to eating nothing but super clean whole foods, no cafeine, no beer! So about mid week and at the end of a very long (2hours) and intense discussion of yoga philosophy detailing the importance living without materialism, letting go of attachments, etc... The teacher asks... "So, are there any questions?" Marilyn very seriously leans over to me, looks me in the eyes with such serenity and whispers very quietly... "Do you think I should ask if he knows where there is a Banana Republic in Sante Fe?" I almost wet my pants, I was laughing sooooo HARD! Your the best Marilyn, I love you, and I can't wait to see you again and hold your hand and help you on this journey back to 100%. You are so, so strong and so, so courageous and sooooo amazing and although its gonna be hard, I know that with time you will just blow us all away with your recovery &... I made you something sparkly! So much love, Tracye
I guess it’s time I wrote something about Marilyn. I know her the longest. I saw her first. I watched her first steps and heard her first words. She walked early, talked early and was only 4 when she read me her first book (Hundreds and Thousands of Turkeys). I walked her on the first day of school. I held her when the doctor set her broken arm from falling out of a tree in the back yard. I listened to her when she argued with the ER doctor about how long she wanted the cast. I was there and never left her side when a dog chewed up the left side of her face. Marilyn was a little girl that didn’t believe she was 2 years younger than her sister and 4 years younger than her brother. She learned and did everything they did, only she was younger. Just before she started kindergarten I took Marilyn to a school that tested children and she had a 2nd grade reading level. I watched her grow from a baby to a little girl. I watched all her baseball, softball, cross country races and gymnastic meets. I saw her go from a bright and shinning little girl star to a brilliant, strong, beautiful women. With out a doubt I know she will recover completely. Yes, I know her the best.
Mom
Marilyn, Before you came into this world, I was hoping for a Robert Jr. But it didn't take long for you to remove any disapointment I might have had. You excelled in everything you took on. Whether it was sports, academics music etc, you were at the top. I didn't always agree with you on a number of subjects of discussion but highly respected your opinion. I don't think a "Jr." could have done me as proud. I know you'll recover fully Marilyn, because you don't know how to fail. Your father... who loves you very much.
Marilyn is my second cousin. I remember her as "Mouse". Marge and my dad, Gaylen, were close friends, as well as cousins, and I remember visiting their family near Chicago. It sounds like Marilyn grew to be an awesome woman; and I'm sure her family is very proud of her.
Her brother Steve took the time to visit my dad in California when he was injured, and that was truly a blessing for my dad.
My prayers are with Marilyn, Gareth, as well as her family and friends.
My church, Family Family Church, in Gonzales, Texas also has her on our prayer list for a complete and timely recovery.
God Bless You,
Debbie
Marilyn & Gareth,
Believe it or not, I am too shy to blog. I just wanted to tell you that you're missed, loved and yearned for...
xoxo, ami
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