Dedicated to My Dad, James F Hamilton

These are my parents before tragedy struck.

Being Mrs Maine was dedicated to Carolyn and James F. Hamilton. On December 17, 2004, just about 3 short months after me, my husband and four children moved to Maine from California, he collapsed in his home in Minnesota. My brother Shane saved his life by calling 911. He had a stroke. He was then overdosed on coumadin. He was given 15mg instead of 1.5 and he had a massive hemmorage at the stroke site. He had numerous brain surgeries, which were followed by a coma for quite some time. Then suddenly he decided, we guess, he was going to live and he came back to life. We spent quite some time at the Sister Kenny facility in Minneapolis helping him recover. He is not feeling the best he has ever felt these days, but he is alive and as well as can be expected. He has full memory and speech, but lack vision, coordination and has terrible diabetes.

Stroke Rehabilitation Facility for My Dad

The next year was followed by rehab. A very unpleasant place. The only thing that kept us going were the walls of the hospital. They were decorated with art work that people had painted or drawn who had strokes, were blind or disabled in some other way.

Dad Home for Mom's 60th

My parents shortly after my dad was allowed home visits from the stroke rehab facility. This is my mom's 60th birthday.

Go Red!

The whole ordeal made me so sad and want to reach out to talk to others about strokes and warning signs. I decided to learn as much as I could and team up with the Heart Association. I became a spokesperson for the association here in Maine. I could tell I needed a way to get my word out, being new to the area.

So, I became Mrs Cumberland County International and was preparing to be in the Mrs Maine International Pageant. This was a continuation of my efforts in California. Shortly before we moved, I was going to be in the Mrs CA Int'l pageant. My platform had always been children's literacy. However, I thought I could do a dual platform and teach about strokes and hold story times.

Then, another opportunity presented itself--The Mrs United States Pageant. I was notified I had won Mrs Maine US just after I had taken the title of Mrs Cumberland County. I decided to become Mrs Maine US and my year began.

Friends, Sponsors and Media

Being Mrs Maine hit like a whirlwind. What fun! I became a spokesmodel for MaineGems.com, Carrie Aube donated her time and energy into getting beautiful NON-RETOUCHED photos and sponsorhips came with ease. Robert Towle and Rebecca Hall, as well as Christie Petit were very gracious in their support as well. Maine Gems donated over 30,000 in jewelry to me, including a ring, earrings, a necklace and bracelet.

HALL OF FAME TOUR

Our family is invited to tour all of the Hall of Fame's on the East Coast. What fun!!