So one day I sold all my belongings, bought a brand new car, loaded up some suitcases and my son who was only about 5 at the time, and drove to California. I had about $5000 to my name but I figured I could get set up and start a fresh new chapter in my life. After all, isn’t So. California the place where people from small towns go to make their dreams come true?! This was in 1994 and I’ve never looked back.
It was a 29 hour road trip but we did stop at a hotel for one night. It was here that my son fell in love with cheese sticks and room service, and, I haven’t been able to break him of the habit since. Go figure.
Reason to keep on keeping on . . .
My son Nathaniel continues to show me, teach me and in some ways strengthens me. His father was not involved and he’s had to deal with a range of diagnosis including attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, oppositional defiant disorder, abandonment issues, depression and most recently bipolar.
He’s faced his demons with courage and dignity and now as a young man and father, he continues to surprise me. My son is a gift from God and a child of God and is the reason I love more, give more, work more, and have become more. Recently, he stated his love for me in writing and I can tell you that as a mother, you appreciate this to no end. Somehow it validates the struggles and sacrifices that all parents – especially single parents – make every day and it means the world to me.
My granddaughters, (his 2 daughters) are the light in my eyes and a promise for a brighter future. They give me hope for a new beginning and a reason for living differently. They are grand in every way and a tremendous joy in my life. Baby Violet, his 2nd born , had a lot of medical issues as a baby, but I must say, she is a real trooper if ever there was one.
My four-legged friend and companion. . .
Izzy, my miniature Pincher has provided me with untold hours of companionship. On our walks around the neighborhood, he seems to want to talk to me and it’s as if I understand what he’s trying to say. He’s nurturing and has been very good therapy for me, both mentally and emotionally. This is what they call unconditional love. Izzy is getting up there is age though and just recently I noticed a change in him like he’s real tired and has recently been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease.
I used to laugh at these people who treated their dogs like babies. I heard Barbara Walters say on a talk show that her dog said, “I love you.” Well I thought she was off her rocker. Honestly, I thought she really lost it, – – until I saw in another clip where her dog could be heard saying, “I love you.” I kid you not!! Now, I’m one of those dog owners I used to laugh at. Can’t imagine what I would do without my Izzy.
Organizational Abilities . . .
One of the businesses I tried my hand at is the Catering & Event Planning business. Luckily, I have been successful with this kind of work. I have to admit, I do have good organizational abilities and a talent for that kind of large-scale planning – like a general in battle that sees the big picture.
So when it comes to planning a sit-down dinner or banquet for 300, I don’t break a sweat. For me, it brings out my creativity, my love of food, and is challenging in a good way.