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Words From Sean "Peaman" Paggett


A New Chapter in my Life
By Sean Paggett
Friday. August 29, 2008
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The short version of a very long story started in dream-like fashion for my older brother and I. The public school teachers here in Hawaii went on strike, and with Easter vacation coming up, our mom decided to take us with her on a trip back to my hometown of Manhattan Beach, Calif. Our dreamy, extra-long break from school switched gears following a wonderful dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Hibachi. Our nice family evening turned into a nightmare when an extremely drunk driver decided to take target practice on my mother, brother and myself as we crossed the street.

My speedy and quick-thinking brother immediately broke into a sprint, while my mom and I hesitated. That split second of indecision was just enough time for Mr. Drunk Guy and his fancy Corvette to hit us going full speed. While I flew through the air toward the curb, my mom was killed instantly as she was pummeled and then dragged down the road.

For what seemed like a long and very peaceful time, I found myself going with her toward the light as every emotion I ever experienced blazed through my mind. This moment of bliss ended abruptly as I was told that it wasn't even close to my time to pass on. The shock of being back in my body was terrifying and strangely calm all at the same time.

Over the next couple of years, I healed all of my visibly broken stuff with surgeries, casts, bone grafts and a lot of doctor's visits. Most all of these things still hurt today, but it has turned out to be the invisible damage to my pituitary gland that has created the most challenges. The pituitary dysfunction has caused hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism and hypothyroidism. Each of these low hormone levels has created many, many more low or unbalanced levels that cause numerous conditions usually experienced by the elderly, such as low body temperature, thin skin, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, occipital neuralgia, cognitive abnormalities, migraines, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, fibromyalgia, lack of muscle mass, incontinence, an irritable bowel, diabetes insipidus and a wide variety of other non-life threatening, but bothersome ailments. Each day is an adventure for me, and to be totally honest, I do a good job of hiding many of my aches, pains and limitations.

I'm not passing on this information looking for sympathy. I'm doing it so my many friends, Pea event regulars, readers of my boring column and my wonderful new neighbors at the Regency will know a little more about me and have a better understanding of why I have made some of the recent changes.

I can truly say that I'm not bitter or angry about anything that has happened in my life and actually feel very, very blessed to have been able to experience so many interesting and unusual things. I'm not saying that being in pain, feeling nauseated, having a vision-blurring headache or always carrying an extra set of shorts just in case I live up to my real nickname, "Peeman", is fun, but I do realize that these things are just a part of who I am......

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Life: It's All About Choices
By Sean Paggett
Friday.July 31, 2009
(below is an excerpt - Click Here to Read the Article in Full)

Last August, when I first wrote about this major change in my life, most of my friends and family were understanding and supportive. But, as usual, there were a few who were puzzled why a young whipper snapper like myself would move to a retirement community.

Well, without writing a novel about my health challenges, the best way to say it is that looks can be deceiving and I feel like I do a good job of covering up many of my physical ailments and psychological challenges.

I've also noticed that there are quite a few people who don't understand what a retirement community with independent and assisted living is all about. I've actually had many people tell me that they promised their chronologically gifted family members that they would never put them "in a place like that." My answer to them is always the same: "Oh, you mean a place that is comfortable, full of fun activities, sincere friendships and has a loving family atmosphere."

The Regency at Hualalai is not "an old folks home" or a place you go to die. It's a wonderful place where you go to live and enjoy a simplified life with the added bonus of assistance if needed.

For myself, the move has been terrific. I feel as if I've made improvements in my mental, physical, and spiritual health. Sure, I will always deal with depression, anxiety, fear and a long list of boring medical stuff that all began when I was hit by a speeding car that was being driven by an intoxicated driver.

It may sound weird, but I view that episode of my life as a blessing and feel that every aspect of it has had a variety of positive outcomes. When you step back and look at the big picture I wouldn't be living at the Regency at Hualalai if that accident had never happened. During the last year, I have learned a lot and as I mentioned earlier made progress in all areas of my life.

Of the many things I really love about the Regency at Hualalai, I would have to say that my favorite aspect is the people. My neighbors are terrific and instantly welcomed me into their home. All of the crew have been outstanding. Everyday I see someone going above and beyond their actual duties to help out a resident. I have been especially blessed by the kitchen crew who have made sure that I get fresh, delicious and well-balanced meals.

All combined, it's these wonderful people who create an atmosphere that is fun, friendly and full of aloha. Being surrounded by so much good stuff has given me peace of mind and has allowed me to simplify my life so that I can take better care of myself.....

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