Emily 2

About Me

Wow! Where do I even start? I guess at the beginning. The air on the night of June 1st, 1970 was thick and heavy. Humidity hung in the air making it difficult to breathe and skin to feel sticky. But this was no ordinary hot summer night. No, this was the night her life, as she knew it, would change forever. She could feel the dull throbbing pain settling into the crevice of her back. She waited in the dark full of excited anticipation yet also full of anxiety of what was yet to come. Seconds turned into minutes and minutes into hours as she fearfully welcomed the pain that grew inside her. There was no turning back, the time was now. Her pain now coursed through her body like a bolts of lightening. Barley able to catch her breath she braced herself for the next crashing wave she knew was coming. She panted and hisses and grit her teeth. It wouldn't be much longer now.

In the morning light, drenched in sweat, exhausted, and barely able to move, she smiled. Her life indeed had changed, changed forever, and she couldn't be happier. For on that Tuesday morning of June 2nd, 1970 she had become a mother. She became MY mother.

Wait? What? That's going too far back? Oh, let me speed things up a bit.

21 months later my best friend was born. I was a big sister and loved helping to take care of my brother. Even if I did almost suffocate him once trying to wipe his nose. Hey! I was not even 2-years-old and thought I was being helpful. Didn't want him having boogers all over his face. :-)

Being the offspring of an Army dad I had the privilege of getting to travel all through my growing up years and even lived in Germany for nearly 15 years. I speak German, albeit, not was well as I once did. I explored nearly every castle, skied the Bavarian Alps, rode the gondolas in Venice Italy, been to Switzerland and Austria, just to name a few of my adventures. But on June 16, 1986 our family moved back to America. Adjusting to American culture was not an easy task. Life was so very different with the rush rush and 24-hour stores. Even how people treated each other seemed so crude to me.

As the years passed, naturally, I adapted. And although I was born State Side, Germany will always be "home". I haven't been back, YET! I hear things are much different now but I still plan to visit again.

We moved A LOT and at the age of 21-years-old I had already moved 31 times and that's where I quit keeping track. In addition to Germany, I've lived in Indiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Ohio, Nevada, Michigan, and... um.... ahhh, heck, I can't remember where else.

Eventually, (somehow, I'm not exactly sure when or how but), I grew up and *ugh* became an adult. (I use the term "adult" loosely, I'm still just a child on the inside. Anyway, I married, had three beautiful children, bought a house, and as often happens, ended up divorced after 17 years of marriage.

I had an amazing career but when the company when through some changes, I was downsized. That's when, at the age of 40 I decided to put myself through college. I was scared to death I wouldn't be smart enough but ended up graduating Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and as the Student Body President. And did it all while working full-time and being a single mother. In addition, I was dealing with some major health concerns and being the fighter I am put myself through some major changes and went from being nearly 300 pounds down to 127 pounds.

After graduation I moved to Las Vegas to be near my parents. I became a special education high school math teacher. (I was known as the crazy teacher whose class everyone wanted to be in. I was very non-traditional) but I left Las Vegas, and teaching, when on February 10th, 2017 my middle son, Vincent, died in a car accident exactly one month before his 22nd birthday. This also happens to be when my oldest son decided to eliminate me from his life. The last we spoke was at Vinny's funeral. I hear he's doing well and that makes me happy.

I try, even if I struggle at it, to find the good in everything. Vinny was an organ donor and with his gift of himself, touched nearly 100 people. He lives on because I keep his memory alive, as well as, through others because of his selfless act. *This is my PSA --- If you are not an organ donor, please, please, go to donatelife.net and read up on how important being a donor can be. One day it may be you, your child, your partner, your parent, or best friend that could need the gift that only a donor can give. Live on after your gone!* Okay, getting off my soap box now.

Skipping all the horrific details, I've had my fair share of trauma. Spiraled down into the dark scary places, danced with my demons, and played dangerously close to the edge. Just this past week I executed my "Operation Freedom Launch" plan to get out of an abusive and toxic relationship and here I am happy, healthy, free, and safe. Thankfully, I have some pretty amazing people in my life that supported me, believed in me, and encouraged me even when I had zero hope for myself.

My life is chaotic and surrounded by boxes, I'm sleeping on a mattress on the floor of my girlfriends house, I'm so broke I don't have two dimes to rub together, but I have hope. My inspiration to write and record music have returned. I am full of optimism and eager for what each day brings. I am a phoenix, I have risen from my ashes, and I am ready to glide across the beautiful skies toward a future full of opportunity.

I share my story, not because I want people to feel sorry for me, or to think I'm such a "strong" person, but because IF there is even ONE person out there who reads my story and it gives them strength, if it inspires them, if it motivates them to change their destiny, to escape a harmful environment, or even to find a glimmer of hope which keeps them from going over the edge, then sharing my story will have been worth it. Worth it even if for just one person.

I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this site. Creating beautiful pages with the tools provided here have ignited my imagination and provided an escape when I so desperately needed one. So, from the tip of my dripping allergy nose all the way down to my stinky sweaty toes.... THANK YOU!

Believe in Your Magic!
Gina