I had a fairytale life until I was 9. My mom and dad were crazy about each other and my dad was one of those people who lived life to the fullest. We flew around in our own plane and lived in nice homes. We had a lot of fun and Mom and Dad created a world of love and beauty for us. Then one day I awoke to my mother crying - she never cried! - and my world tumbled when I found out my dad had died in a plane accident. That day defined a turning point.

My mom never recovered from losing her soul mate and died a few years later of breast cancer, but I suspected it was from a broken heart. My siblings and I went to live with some friends of my parents who had 3 kids of their own. That family is amazing and to this day we 7 call each other brother and sister. I had a perspective on life from an early age that we can weather anything and at a point we will look back and see the lessons learned. If my parents hadn't died, I would have probably been pretty spoiled. Instead I have tremendous empathy for others and am a source of strength and solace for friends dealing with tragedy.

I was very independent, and moved out on my 18th b-day, traveled the world and got married at 20 to start a family of my own. I have 3 fabulous children, who are my best friends. They have weathered the breakup of my marriage, me struggling through single parenthood and having a disastrous relationship that ended in him taking us for everything we had. My kids have adopted my attitude and know that everything happens for a reason. As they say, we are all closer and stronger because of it.

This positive attitude attracted my new husband to me. I am finally the happiest and the healthiest I have ever been. My kids are in a great place in their lives and I have 3 new daughters through my marriage. With 3 new sons-in-law, we are a huge, loving family! (We had 4 weddings in 6 months this year!!)

I have written many children's books on self-empowerment. It's my way of reaching out and giving love and encouragement to children so they may believe in themselves and live their best lives.

When I am gone, I want to be known as a children's author who touched the lives of many with her love.

How did you get to where you are now?

I have always found it's easier to get through life's bumps if you always look on the bright side. One day follows the next and we all get through in spite of ourselves. Why not make the journey a positive one?

 

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

I was in a negative, manipulative, passive-aggressive relationship. My spirit was a shadow. When I finally ended the relationship, I went through bankruptcy and lost everything through his vindictiveness.

Having gone through that, I still struggle with being so stupid to let it happen. I had nothing left for my kids! I am still mad at myself but my kids have forgiven me. They say that they appreciate everything more because of it. We are all stronger and closer for having gone through the loss.

Today, somehow, I have found love and a wonderful life again. I am grateful for everything. I am stronger, healthier and try to embrace life every day.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully, my children and I will all have happy, healthy lives and I will revel in having more babies to love through my grandchildren.

I will have published all of my children's stories and spread inspiration and love to children everywhere.

I will be writing, painting, boating, golfing and filled with peace.

Look into the mirror and believe in yourself instead of giving in to your fear of failure. You can accomplished so much through your wonderful creativity.

Value yourself. Be comfortable saying "No" when your gut tells you to.

Always listen to your inner voice. It is smarter than you can ever imagine. It has the power to see the future.

Anyone who demonstrates a mixture of passion and wisdom.