I often get stuck in the memories of my year at Mt. Carmel High School.  That was probably one of the most rewarding periods of my younger day.

Life has been an interesting ride.  There have been many valleys and many more peaks. I married a local boy shortly after graduation.  We had three children: one boy and two girls.  Jim died when the children were very small. They are all grown and very successful and I now have four grandchildren.  The oldest is 20 and the youngest is 9 months.  My own children have careers that give them the opportunity to give back to this old world through service to their fellow humans.

I remarried twice.  One spouse passed away with cancer and one committed suicide.  However, my children and I came out stronger more compassionate people from each experience.

Life has been rough, but it has also been very rewarding.  I am a wastewater treatment plant operator for the state of WA.  I drive a tractor trailer for the sewer district.  This is my Monday through Friday job.  On Saturdays and Sundays, I am a crew supervisor for Pierce County Juvenile Court Diversion Program.  These young people are my passion.  I love working with the teens.  It is very rewarding to see hope renewed in a young person's face when he/she thinks they have ruined their life by one poor choice.

I used to feel that I ran away from God's plan for me when I didn't return to the Kentucky mountains.  Now, I feel that I was destined to be exactly where I am.  The juveniles are my calling.  I suppose I will work at both jobs, until God lets me know that I need to slow down.

I built a new home in Pennsylvania and I hope to retire and return home there in about 4 years.  My children are scattered across the US and as hard as we try, our busy lives do not let us get together very often.  Thank goodness for telephones and e-mail!  We are a close family that draws our strength from the support and love we share for each other.

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