New Yorkers, by reputation, are fast-talking, assertive and easily annoyed; I fit right in.

The most likely moment for something incredible to happen to me was the moment I was most certain nothing ever would.

Well, every now and then I would hear the preposterous notion that that Jane Pauley sounds like Barbara Walters. Like I could if I tried?

My parents were terrific - mother was a church organist and my father was probably the most respected person in our church outside of the minister and sometimes maybe that much. The neighbors all called him - a gentleman.

I can cook; but not well. I figure I have six years until my children discover what their friends' mothers make for dinner.

I've come to recognize what I call my 'inside interests.' Telling stories. And helping people tell their stories is a sort of interpersonal gardening. My work at NBC News was to report the news, but in hindsight, I often tried to look for some insight to share that might spark a moment of recognition in a viewer.

A diagnosis is burden enough without being burdened by secrecy and shame.