Thank you to Michelle’s Bridal for their second year of She Said support, we’re so appreciative! Michelle’s would like to feature Judy Hawkey for this year’s 7 Q+A!
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What are you grateful for today?
Today I am grateful for my health. I had a scare about 6 months ago. From everything I had read and researched online, I believed I had ALS. But after numerous Dr. appointments, blood work, muscle biopsy’s and countless other tests, I was diagnosed with a muscle disease called Polymyositis . This disease causes muscle deterioration. They don’t know what causes it or how to stop it. Some patients respond well to steroids and therapy, others do not. I have responded to the steroids!! For now, my blood work looks good and I am feeling stronger. Most of my weakness is in my arms and legs, and the medication and just knowing what I can and can not do is helpful. Of course, knowing what I shouldn’t do and listening to that advice are two different things! I try to be “good” because if I am not, I feel it for the next several days. So life for now may be a little different, but I DO NOT have ALS!!!. Polymyositis has no idea what kind of person it’s dealing with!! Bring it!!
Tell us about one of your friends and what you love about her.
My best friend, Diane, has been in my life for over 30 years. She makes me laugh! Sometimes the laughter causes tears, sometimes wet pants, but it’s all good. She is honest and so smart. I don’t think there is ANYTHING she can’t do. She’s dependable and trustworthy. If I need her, she’s here. And believe me, I’ve needed her. We can sit on her back porch, with a beverage, and stare out into the wide open spaces and no words are needed. She’s also a tiny bit psychic. (My husband says psycho!!) I can be having a bad day or just thinking about something and my phone will ring and it’s her. Somehow she always knows when I need to hear her voice. She is THE best and there’s nothing the two of us can’t get through or at least laugh about.
Describe one of the best days of your life.
One of the best days of my life was on the island of Jost Van Dyke. My husband and I, our 2 sons and 3 of my best friends were on vacation in the Caribbean. We took a day to explore Jost Van Dyke. We went to White Beach and went to the Soggy Dollar Bar. There was a large round table we sat around looking at the bay with the beautiful boats. I remember thinking, how perfect and beautiful everything was and that I could totally stay here, with these people, forever.
What’s the best lesson you learned from your mother/grandmother?
Hard work and determination. My grandmother was left to raise her 2 young daughters alone. Her husband basically deserted them. My mom was born in 1937. Raising 2 children in the late 30’s and 40’s was not easy for a family, little lone by yourself. Grandma worked at a “Dime Store” that she and the girls lived above. They, of course, lived very simply and did “without” many things. My grandmother was a very determined woman and raised 2 amazing daughters. I’ve always been a dependable, hard working employee and I feel these traits are from her.
We’re all unique. What is your special gift?
I think it’s my positive attitude. I usually have a smile on my face and I try to find the silver lining in everything. Life is far too short to spend it being negative!
What could women be doing to make their community a better place?
Be good role models. Show our youth how to interact and behave with others. Everything begins with our youth. Teach them to pay attention and to care about their community.
What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
I would probably go back to school. Although I feel very successful in my life, I think a degree would be a great accomplishment. I don’t know if I’m “afraid” to go back to school, I just have lots of excuses why I can’t!
