Years ago I wish I had known that acquiring an education would assist in "being someone". Finding my passion, my purpose before getting married would have been a smart move. I married to become me and it didn't work. The marriage worked (eventually). I always wanted to be a mother and in doing so ignored the needs of a weak man and paid the price. We are still married 37 years later and are both better people than we were early in our marriage.

I have recently found a passion in choral conducting (in the past 10 years). Had I followed this musical path in my 20's, I would be degreed and possibly doing this as a teacher and making money. Instead I volunteer, which still feeds my soul and I love it! My education is continuous; I take classes here and there, but don't want to be tied to a school schedule so I can visit and play with 7 grandchildren, garden and serve in my church and community.

Thank you, Dr. Laura, for all you do. It wasn't easy raising 4 children, one of whom is in recovery (we hope). You were one of my anchors! My folks never dealt with troubled kids (they think we were all perfect, ha!) I guess that is something else I wish I had known - that it was okay not to be perfect because nobody is. I found Al Anon, then served with my husband in an addiction recovery program at our church. You gave me courage and ammo when I dealt with my teenage children. Funny, when I think about my childhood and pictured myself as a mom, I always pictured me with babies and toddlers, not with teenagers. When people ask me how old my children are, I tell them they are all elderly (28-34).

I love you,

Denise