Hot Tamale

 

My name is Kim Fogo, I am Alli’s sister, technically I am her sister in law but she did not like to use the word in-law.   

Our Amazing Alli. She ROCKED this world at a very young age and continued to WOW us more and more each year! I was blessed to have been part of her story for the last 30+ years, and grateful for the wonderful memories.

I would like to share some of those with you:

Renting houses with the family so we could all be together. Places included

Lincoln City and Bend Oregon, Seabrook, and most recently Coeur d’alene. This normally meant the guys golfing and the girls shopping or out and about on adventures. At night we most likely would be celebrating one or more family members birthday with a special dinner, cake, and ice cream. We would play

family games, including Qwirkle, which quickly became a family favorite.

Our many pinochle games, with you as my partner. We weren’t gracious winners and of course we were poor losers.

Our twice a year trip to Emerald Downs for the horse races; Memorial Day weekend to welcome the start of summer and Labor Day weekend to say good-bye to summer.  We usually picked the horses by name, color, number, and/ or the statistics Malena gave on each one.

Trips to Vegas and Disneyland, many concerts, Mama Mia the play and movie a few times.  Mariner games. Camping when we had our tent trailer and summers you would come to Hoquiam and babysit Zach and Taylor while we worked.  

I’m pretty sure a lot of you did not know this but we are a pretty musical family. Us girls, could burst out in song pretty much anywhere and anytime. We could sing, just ask us.  Some of our favorites include: Shania Twain tunes, Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline, Sister Goldenhair Surprise, The Rose, “Once, Twice, Three times a lady” and of course Meatloaf – Paradise by the dashboard light.

Our yearly Bunco Fundraiser for “Cancer Can Suck It team”.

#wherebarrettsleeps

Simply sharing a Box of Hot Tamales together – thank goodness those were gluten free.

You were one of my biggest fans when I walked the 3 day Komen this last year. How you welcomed me, with your house decorated in pink. You made sure I got to the site each day. Showing up at the cheering sections with signs, my favorite coffee, and a lot of cheering. You painted me as the Hero that weekend – no Alli you were the HERO.

Thankful for your Blog - Alli’s Equillibrium. I referred to this at times as my therapy site and/ or at times as my attitude adjustment site! You had a way to know how to put things into perspective

There was never a dull moment when it came to her stories. One of my favorites  that we had shared recently at one of her hospital stays. When she worked at Michael’s in Bellingham and Canadians would come shopping. They would ask you about the exchange rate and you would say we don’t do that here, we just round up.  That worked for a while until one of them wanted to speak to a manager. You could not figure out what their issue was on this.  For some reason anyone but Barrett could bring this story up.

There are a lot more memories and stories that I will always cherish.  Alli loved to celebrate milestones, but she even loved to celebrate the little things even more. This was especially true with Barrett and Malena.  Our Family won the lottery when she met and married Barrett also known as “Hook”. You see in our family if you get a nickname that pretty much means – you are pretty special.  I’m not sure if Hook is because of his golf game or if it’s because Alli hooked him!

We also got a pretty sweet niece – Malena who is a yummy chef, crafter, organized, can swim like a fish, a beautiful cheerleader, and most of all a perfect host of the best New Year’s Eve party ever.

Alli was an amazing aunt to her nieces and nephews (Zach, Jess, Ty, Tay, Reese, and her great nephews Dro and Harper Dean). She was present in their lives and had a special relationship with each and every one of them.

Alli was brave, amazed, and inspired so many people. I’m not sure if she even realized how many people’s lives she touched and made their day a little brighter.

She orchestrated the Happy Mail Campaign that was HUGE success. Making sure people who were fighting their own fight, was blessed with GOOD VIBES and lots of MOJO. This included mail and sometimes small gifts from people all over, just letting them know that others cared and were rooting for them. I was a recipient of her Happy Mail and it was unbelievable and all the love you felt. Alli, sent me one which included a singing telegram in person that was delivered by Alli’s own Dad.

Alli was the most thoughtful and kindest person you will know.  Alli believed everyone should be kind and she practiced what she preached.  Always making sure YOU were ok; she would send a text, a card in the mail which usually included a Starbucks card, or a phone call just to make sure all is good and that she was thinking about you. She was always doing acts of kindness. I loved hearing and seeing these and there were so many.

Alli is a person that made a huge impact on each and every person she knew.  Our hearts were shattered on New Year’s Day, as the day Alli chose to lay down her gloves. This day will always bring sadness, however it will now be known as the Amazing Alli Day! A holiday for everyone and you can have the day off.  

I am choosing to honor and celebrate Alli and remembering her as the fighter she was. We can honor Alli everyday as there are two simple things Alli would want – Apply your sunscreen and be kind!  

Alli, I love you, miss you and you will forever be in my heart.