I immensely enjoyed raising my 3 babies to adulthood, loved voraciously their dad, despite the rollercoaster years mired in his PTSD from the Vietnam war,  now loving my grammie role, am a career postal clerk, hoping to retire soon and find a 'fun' part time job.  My passions are writing, reading, learning new things daily, watching the grandbabies learn and grow, meeting up with girlfriends for coffee or happy hour, literally stopping to smell all the flowers, experiencing those moments when nature just takes my breath away, and seeking God's guidance in all that I do.

How did you get to where you are now?

My son says I am a survivor.  Against all odds, I raised 3 successful children amidst our chaotic life with their Vietnam vet dad.  His survival instincts learned in the war rubbed off on me, while I watched him self destruct for 30 years.  War destroys all in its path and survivors' guilt eats away at those left behind.  The losses are too great, and the victims are too young to understand that they paid with their futures as well as their sanity.

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

I have seen family tragedy that brought my 7 siblings closer, and made us stronger.  I know that we are spiritual beings on a human journey.  Life is a gift meant to be shared.  We are here for a reason, so I rely on the bible verse, "Lean not on your own understanding", and ask God daily to show me his plan and guide me to where he needs me to be.   We are his hands.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Retired, hanging with the grankids, still enjoying nature, friendships, reading all that I can, and hoping to have more time to do that.  Spending more time on my passion of writing, visiting libraries, touring flower gardens, slowing down to enjoy tea in the garden, while seeking out the goodness in all of God's creations.

Don't think that material possessions bring happiness.  Peace of mind and contentment are priceless gems.  Start each day asking God to guide your steps for he created you in his image and knows exactly what you need each day.

My mother, who quiety searched her bible  scriptures for answers when life got rough and rocky.  Mom never had one bad word to say about anyone...that was a virtue I have yet to master.  My grandparents and large extended family have always been my safety net, for which I am grateful.  Their  strong faith and experience passed onto me much wisdom that makes life's journey less stressful.  I aspire to be a 'Mother Theresa', and save the world, but lack her energy and selfless nature.  Sharing a smile, and a prayer for those less fortunate is doable so I have learned to accept my limitations and be content with them.