My story

I always lived my life in "that moment".  I wasn't a planner or a dreamer, and I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up.  I joined the Florida Army National Guard to pay for my college tuition, and started college after high school and basic training.  I didn't have enough passion or drive to finish my higher education and see it through.  I was a nomad, a hippie and lost in a superficial world that I surrounded myself in with my insecurities and need to fit in.  

I did not enjoy living my life serving others.  I bounced from job to job in the hospitality service industry, got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and I made some horrific decisions that haunt me still, and rightfully so.

But then, my "time-out" in life happened.  What I thought was the worst thing that could happen to me, ended up being the break that I needed to re-evaluate my purpose in life.  I received a letter to report to active duty from inactive ready reserves (IRR) status to serve in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.  I was scared, I was depressed, I thought I was going to be a walking target.  But I felt obliged to answer the call because I was the best candidate - I was single, didn't have children, and I was in good health.  I made a commitment to serve my country and I had to honor it.

I learned so much during my time away from the states.  We take SOOOO much for granted!  Here are some examples.  Shoes for instance, we have them, we wear them; there are tons of children in Iraq with no shoes.  Air conditioning in +100 degrees temperatures, they didn't have it in public places like the town hall.  The natives are hospitable; it's an insult in their culture to refuse food or drinks when offered.  It just proved how ignorant I was, and how very fortunate and blessed I am to be a citizen of this country called the United States!  

I was renewed and driven to better myself once back in the states.  I fell in love with my Paul Bunyan and moved to Minnesota.  I finished college and got married and started our family.  I started my career as a medical support assistant at a Veterans Affairs medical center.  That is when I realized that I truly loved helping people.  Especially the Veterans, they sacrificed for our country, and it was an honor to help them get great healthcare.  They were humbled, grateful, and had inspirational stories.  The experience gave me a servant heart. 

My life is filled with my family now.  Three children later, with twin toddlers, I have the privilege of being a stay at home mom and raising my children.  I want my three boys to have a servant heart, compassion, patience and wisdom.  I want them to learn from my mistakes and not to repeat my history.  I want them to be the best version of themselves today and every day.  I don't want them to feel entitled and ignorant to what's going on around them.  I don't want them to be judged by society and told that they are at a disadvantage for any reason.

I am putting myself out there to share my story and document my journey.  I know there are people out there just like me; who are comfortable but not totally fulfilled.  There is something they want to be a part of that's bigger than themselves.  And that is where I am in my journey of life.  I want to continue to help others, to help them find their confidence, their voice, their strength and their passion.  That is my new mission.