1976 - Looking back at six is much easier than other years. I was in elementary school enjoying life. We lived in a rural area, where we had to ask permission to pack a snack and walk out to a tree in the middle of the corn field. (it seemed so far away) I was learning to read and I loved going to school. My mom plopped my brother and I down in front of the television on July 4, 1976 and made us watch the parades for the 200th birthday celebration of our country. I fretted and fussed, that I remember. But, she was right I will not see the 300th birthday and since 9-11 our country and our lives have never been the same. I had no idea that eighteen months later I would lose my father to brain cancer. I wish I would have asked more questions or my memory would provide me with clearer memories, but it does not. I remember getting off the school bus, running down my driveway. I was excited, because we had company. There were several cars lined up in the drive. The idea of visit was exciting. Only, later when they guided me in the kitchen and told me what happened, did I realize that this day would change us for life. My brother and I camped out at Allore Funeral Home for several days. Strangely, I do remember them playing the old hymn “The Old Rugged Cross”. Much later in life, I would realize what really happened on the cross, for me and the entire world. For years we became “regular attendees” at that funeral home.

1986- Sixteen. I turned sixteen the summer before my junior year. All of my closest friends had just graduated from high school. Most were moving off to college and starting jobs. I was involved with journalism and continued to have expectations for things I wanted to experience and become. That weekend my mom purchased me a Ford Escort. I had wheels, and a job that provided money. I drove that car as fast as I could until the day I went in the Army. I was busy going to concerts and driving to Easter Michigan University. There were people in the dorms that thought I actually went there; little did they know I was only16, still in high school. I was determined to see the world, and not get married. Two years later I would find myself not in dorms, but barracks, I was not refining my college schedules, but refining my marksmanship position. I met my husband and married in 1990.

Twenty-Six – 1996. I had a daughter getting ready to start kindergarten. I had been married for six years. I was busy beginning my career. We were living in the same neighborhood where I grew up much of my life in. We lived three streets from my mom. It was this year that things began to transition once again. I received a call at work stating that they had found a few spots on my mother’s lung and I had better come home. I remember feeling the panic, almost like I feel now when I type the words. I had no idea that two years later in 1998 I would lose my mother to lung cancer. I wish I would have asked more questions… grabbed more details, loved a little deeper.

Thirty Six. – 2006 My daughter is now a sophomore. My career has been solidified. I work hard and they pay me. This year will mark our 17th anniversary. There are so many things just waiting for me to grab a hold of. I want to kayak for days, walk endless trails. I want to travel to Greece, build relationships with others that are hungry for love and life. I want to have good skin, a trim waist, and a genuine warm inviting smile. I want my refrigerator to stay clean and stocked with fresh produce. just live.

I am thankful for all that I have today - my family, my friends, a good job, and my health. Too many blessings to count really.