First, I think it’s important to introduce a little prior knowledge about my life as it was at that time so you can see some of the big picture and not just the end result. I had a husband, a lovely man who happened to be born in the wrong century. He might have given up his cowboy hat and boots when he was ten but the Cowboy lives on. Along with two of the most wonderful, exceptional children (I am not being bias in this area I just know it to be a fact!!).

                   We had a mortgage, credit cards (those insidious little plastic pieces that will be the downfall of the monetary system as we know it) and all the stress and hoop-la that come with it. We lived in a fast busy world and both my husband and I worked hard and played hard. There was never enough time in the day or week or month to do the things that needed to be done. Priorities had to be set. It also meant that sleep was at a premium. A condition I am sure that still exists. With the majority of families having two working parents and those who have to make it on their own we all walk that fine line of sanity.

                   My children, who are truly my best friends, were my first priority. After all they didn’t ask to come into this world and they deserved the best that I could give them. Work for me was the second most important thing, for without that, the needs of my children could not be met. Except for the necessary absences from work, (usually for sick children), I was a dependable employee. There was room for advancement and I looked forward to these challenges. I was a lifer and I fully expected a long career and fruitful retirement. My relationship with my husband took the third cue, perhaps that wasn’t one of my wisest choices. My marriage was not exceptional but it was not unbearable either (however that did change in time).

                   I felt happy enough with the choices I had made and the commitment that bound me to them.

                     So, at thirty two I was healthy (or so I thought!) and strong and living the life.

                   It was the night of Wednesday, April 8, 1987.

 Continued……….

 QUOTATION:  “My life consists in my being content to accept many things.“

(Author Unknown)

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