April 2, 2017 UPDATE on Bab's
Babs has been back in her home in Eastsound and working hard to recover from the impact of her December 2016 stroke. She has been supported by so many Orcas Islanders and appreciates all that has been contributed to her care...money, hours of assistance and lots of prayers for her recovery.
And now it is time to CELEBRATE Bab's Springtime Joy as we kick up our heels, ' cause... HERE COMES THE SUN!!!!
Join Bab's for an Evening of Dance Music with Bruce, Mandy, and other Special Guests and an Open Mic
Oddfellows Hall
Saturday, April 15th
7:30-10:00 PM
There will be light bites (feel free to bring a savory or sweet to share!) and coffee, tea and light refreshments.
Come share a story and talk with Babs. It's a party and if you care to make a donation to Bab's Fund, feel free.
Organizer: Didier Gincig and the PPGs Help setting up and cleaning up greatly appreciated.
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A Thank You to Orcas from Babs Parrott (previously published in the Islands Sounder)
Words cannot express the overwhelming generosity and true spirit of our caring community- as well as my family and friends in other areas- I have experienced before and after my stroke. The people who have shown support in so many ways are so numerous I can't even begin to list them here- but know you are all in my heart, and in my darkest moment I felt held in a bubble of love and grace that carried me through and let me know it wasn't my time to leave yet.
This journey has been difficult but the gifts from my stroke have been numerous- the knowledge for the need for self care, lessons of vulnerability and learning to receive- instead of doing-the time to contemplate and examine my stubbornness of barrelling through my life (ignoring signs and trying to work through my stroke) and last, but not least, listening when coworkers and friends told me something was wrong.
The good I would like to come from this experience even in this incredible, amazing place I am blessed to live in- we can all get so busy in our lives we are not having an awareness of what's going on with our bodies and minds. Slow down, get quiet each day, listen. If one person does this, I will know my stroke was not in vain. My gratitude is immense and my heart full. Hugs and thank you all.
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PLEASE NOTE- if you choose to make a donation on this site, it is received for Caring Bridge, in support of their providing this website. It will not be a donation to Babs.
TO DONATE TO BAB'S
And here is the info Samantha is sharing for Bab's GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/babs-medical-fund (
https://www.gofundme.com/babs-medical-fund)
Hello, My name is Sammie. I've started this GoFundMe to assist my
sister, Babs Parrott, to cover medical expenses in connection with a
Stroke she had on November 27, 2016. But first let me give you some
backstory about who Babs is....
Babs grew up in Charleston, S.
C. She is the middle of 3 sisters and the most vivacious. Our mother,
Elaine, owned a restaurant and raised us while taking care of the
restaurant and the community. She instilled in us a strong work ethic
and our sense of caring and compassion for others.
For most of
her adult life, Babs worked in food & beverage. In 1998, She moved
across the country to help me run my restaurant in Seattle. Running a
restaurant is challenging and we realized after 4 1/2 years that this
was not what we wanted to do.
A few months later, Babs visited
beautiful Orcas Island that is part of the San Juan Islands in
Washington State. The island embraced her and she has been part of the
community for 15 years. She is the manager of Aeronautical Services
(The UPS hub for the Island). During her 15 years on the island, Babs
has become a beacon of light for many people. As well as her wonderful
smile, Healing hugs are a given to whomever will accept them. Words
cannot express the caring and compassion she holds for others.
On
Monday, November 27th, Babs was boarding an early ferry back to Orcas
Island. She stumbled and hit her head. She took a nap and when she woke
up her left arm and leg were numb. Babs had to get to work so she shook
it off and went to her job. By 10a.m. She was pale and was dizzy. Her
friends took her home. Babs called me and I told her to go to the
doctor. Her friends also said she should go to the doctor. Babs took a
nap instead. When she woke up, she couldn't stand and fell on the floor.
She struggled to reach the phone. Her friends called the medics and
Babs was taken in a helicopter off the island to St. Joseph's hospital
in Bellingham. She was placed in ICU. After all the test, It was
determined that she had 2 strokes near her right temple.
Babs has
no Insurance. All of the money raised will go to her medical expenses
including the MedVac off the island, ICU and hospital stay, All the test
including MRI, CT scan, and Heart Ultrasound, Speech Therapy and
Physical Therapy. Also, any living expenses since we don't know how long
her rehabilitation will take.
When I was little I was in the
hospital and had medical problems, Babs took care of me and was a
wonderful caring older sister. I wish to return the favor by helping her
through this journey. I am so grateful for all the outpouring of
support and healing energy.
The main 3 things Babs loves to do:
Smile, Hug & Dance. She's already smiling and hugging so I look
forward to her dancing again. I will be so grateful to see Babs bounce
back from this and become stronger and have more compassion for herself.
Anything you can contribute will help along the way and I will keep you
updated about her progress.
Thank you for visiting. We are so grateful!
