Creating this book has always been a lifelong dream of mine. I wanted to share my memories through words and photographs of my life, and the people, places and things that have made my life such a blessing. I have come to realize that the journey here on Earth is but a short span of time, but our eternal home is with God. Each day is a gift, an opportunity to seize whatever you can. By helping others through random acts of kindness is showing love to others. This is my story of courage, faith, and family. It chronicles my life growing up in the turbulent 60's after losing my parents and being raised by my older siblings. We were a pretty close knit family during those times. We stood together through thick and thin. My main goal as a young girl growing up was to complete my education by attending college, become a writer, educator and travel the world. Throughout the book I share what challenges I faced as a "motherless child" into my young adult years. Through determination, faith, hard work and a vision, God brought me through to my "here and now." This is my story as seen through my eyes. “Finding your purpose is a blessing, giving it away is a gift.”