The background of my family is not very exciting. We have never had bunches of money or been in the Fortune 500. We are a simple family with basic moral values.

My children grew up with very little input or involvement with the extended family. They met only one of my brothers, and that was just mostly in passing as they got older. When they were little we lived upstairs from him, but they don't remember this period of time. The most involvement of the extended family came from their Dad's Grandmother who raised him. They both remember her fondly. She died at the age of 92 in May of 1992.

Other Aunts and Uncles from their Dad's side of the family came and went as they felt the urge, or on occasion, when they were asked by my husband to help us in some manner. My family never came around. Most were either crazy, mean, or just didn't live close enough to us. Come to think of it, I think my Aunt was the only one who was normal and had some sense of decency.

My children grew up in a volatile environment, but somehow we always managed to salvage some fun and enjoyment form the chaos. My husband played with the kids and was a decent father when he was sober. During the early parts of their childhood their dad drank a lot.

Most of the time, we managed to have a decent home life. We just managed to make the best of things and worked hard to instill proper values in the children. They grew up knowing the meaning of respect.

Of all the things I have ever done in my life, my children are my greatest claim to fame. I may not have made loads of money or became famous, but I have two great children who have grown up to become decent adults. They have been a big help to me in dealing with all the battles my health has caused me to face.

In 1999, Rachel and I left the house we shared with Tim and my husband. Their Dad and I were divorced in December of 2001. This was hard on both of the kids, but as usual they managed to get past it. My children, like their mother, have the strength to get through the battles life throws at them.

Since my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, my children help me a lot by offering support and being their when they are really needed. They both have their own lives and are building their own families. I do not expect them to give this up because I am dealing with MS.

No parent is perfect. I know I have made many mistakes raising these two kids, but I hope they both know how much they mean to me, and how much they are loved.In February 2003, I found the love of my life, Kevin. It took many years of bad relationships before I found him. He came into my life at a time when my disease was going crazy. He never flinched, he just took over my care and is still taking care of me. (A page dedicated to him is available in the site navigation.)

On April 14, 2007, we had a new addition to our family. A sweet little bundle of pure joy came into the world. Jordan, my first grandson was born. (His story is told on the page titled, "About Jordan."

Our family is growing. My son is now married to a beautiful girl named Melissa. (More information about this is on the page. "Tim & Melissa".)

Having Multiple Sclerosis and my many other health problems, I do not have the ability to take life for granted. I have found everything is easier to deal with when you take one day at a time. I enjoy each day I am given on this earth. I appreciate the special people in my life. Life is much too short to waste it. Those we love can be taken away much too quickly.

March 13, 2004, we lost Shane who was very much a part of our family. He was a son to me in every way. This was an event that let us all know just how fragile life can really be. (Read his memorial on the Shane's Memorial page of the Main Site. I will not move it to this site because of the message of his death. It fits the main topics of the other site and allows everyone to see the end result of Family violence.)

Life carry's us into many different directions at times. When ever there is a crisis, a tragedy, or any other problem, we come together to battle it out as a family. We may bicker at times, but the love is never to far away. I always remember what my aunt use to tell me when I was younger. "Always say, 'I love you" when someone leaves the house or goes to sleep. You never know if this may be the last thing you say to them."