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Authors to discuss book about PI woman

ALPENA — After the journey of a lifetime with her mother-in-law, Ramie Liddle said her family learned it’s never too late to enjoy a quality life.

She encourages people not to wait.

This journey was chronicled in a book written by Liddle and her husband, Tim Bauerschmidt, “Driving Miss Norma.”

Liddle and Bauerschmidt will have an author presentation and book signing at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Grand Lake Library, 18132 Lake Esau Hwy.

Liddle said the catalyst for the book that took place after they made their annual visit to Miss Norma in Presque Isle.

“We are nomads who live full-time in an RV. When we came to Presque Isle in 2015 for our annual visit with Tim’s parents, we found his dad, Leo, in a health crisis. He died 10 days later. Two days after Leo died, Tim’s mother, Norma, was diagnosed with cancer, and she refused any treatment. Unable to care for herself, we discussed the options,” Liddle said.

They could either have her live out the rest of her days in a care facility, or, like many adult children of elderly parents, they could invite her to live with them.

“Knowing that our house had wheels, she did not hesitate to say, ‘I think I’d like to come along,'” Liddle said.

The family remained on the road for the last 13 months of Norma’s life.

During this trip the family saw changes in the 90-year-old woman.

“Norma had always been soft-spoken and reserved. As we traveled, we found that she was beginning to open up and say ‘yes’ to new and uncomfortable (for her) situations along the way. She embraced every moment. Near the end of her life, when she was asked how she was enjoying the trip, she responded, ‘We’re having a blast,'” Liddle said.

One of the most memorable stops along the way included one at a World War II museum in New Orleans.

“As a veteran of that war, she was treated very well. This was really the first time she had ever talked to us about her time as a Navy WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). That day we learned a lot about Norma’s spirit, and her willingness to serve her country. That day defined many others as our epic adventure continued,” Liddle said.

Because they shared so many experiences with Norma, Liddle said it is difficult to choose a favorite.

Any time Norma spent in nature was the best, she said.

“This could be as simple as collecting seashells in south Florida, enjoying a mountaintop view anywhere from Maine to Washington, or just enjoying a quiet moment next to a Rocky Mountain stream. Norma loved the outdoors, and she was always up for an adventure in her wheelchair,” Liddle said.

To keep track of the trip Liddle took thousands of photos on the way and used social media to update people.

“These images struck a chord with many people, and before you know it, the page (on Facebook) went viral. We never had any intention of writing a book, but after much encouragement and realizing that our story was indeed helping so many, we decided to put it down in words,” she said.

Liddle said she hopes readers of the book will learn it’s important to know they have choices in their life every step of the way.

“Norma chose adventure, joy, love and kindness over the fear of illness and death. She received all that and so much more in return for saying “yes” to living,” Liddle said

Jordan Spence can be reached via email at jspence@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Grand Lake Library, 18132 Lake Esau Hwy, Presque Isle

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