What drew you to the 40 over 40 Movement?

I love the message that our mind, body, and life marks have a meaning. Then, sharing amongst those who understand the journey is a wonderful gift. 

 

Who was the most influential person in your life?

My Granny. She has passed on and has been on my mind a lot lately. I always wanted to make her proud. My parents divorced when I was 13, and we lost touch. She saw my four daughters once before she passed, and I am very thankful.

 

What have you accomplished up to this age?

I have raised four beautiful children amid a very traumatic divorce. They are loving, understanding, educated, and beautiful inside and out. I have completed three of five chapters of my dissertation and will be completing it in the near future. I have made a difference in my students’ lives by showing them love, guiding them, and helping them understand that they matter in this world. I am happy to say I have kept in contact with them and celebrated not only high school graduations but college as well.

 

Share your favorite beauty secrets.

I try to always look for the best in every situation, laugh daily, and believe there will ALWAYS be beauty in pain! Oh, and to use only original Jergens lotion on my face. (LOL)

 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Any place where I can have all my children together. Now that they have all graduated college and we are in a better place emotionally and financially, the sky is the limit (with a lot of planning and budgeting).

 

What wisdom can you share with your younger self?

Speak up and know we are worth it. Although my life has taken its own path, I would not change one thing because if I did, I would not have the children I have been blessed to have. They are the joy that kept me and continues to keep me going daily.

 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A house full of our children, eventually grandchildren, and family sitting around my table full, happy, healthy, and laughing – with the sun setting at the back of our property.

What is the most valuable lesson life has taught you?

There is always tomorrow, and whatever you are going through, there is a brighter day coming.

 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation. Our oldest daughter and son-in-law are in the Navy and stationed in Georgia, I miss them every day, and our daily Duo chat could be actual visits if I could snap my fingers.