"For a long time, when talking about my hobbies or activities or dreams, I’ve used the phrase “before I had kids” or “in another life”.

Recently, a friend stopped me mid-conversation. “Don’t do that.” He said. He explained that I shouldn’t put ME on hold because I had kids. “They need to see that you have dreams and passions, and that you do things you love.”

"My greatest accomplishment in life is being able to see my dreams realized. See, when I was a child I wanted to draw for a living, and have my art be seen by many. Now I am a paid freelance artist, doing work for T-shirt companies, making and selling custom action figures, and having my art featured at MuskeCon and Red Lotus. When I was a teen I wanted to be a famous rock star. Now I play guitar in a fairly popular and demanded band, Yard Sale Underwear, I am the cohost of The Podcasters Of The Universe podcast, and I have a talk show  called Muskegon Tonight.

"I am 61 years old and have lived here pretty much my whole life.I have seen this great community of ours go through many changes some good some bad.i have some pretty good memories growing up here and love this town of ours.

"My deceased husband, He was my caregiver , since I stroked in 2013, never leaving my side. Until he became sick last March and passed in May. Always putting me 1st.

Would have been married 12 yrs in October. Both been married before. Me 3 girls, him 7 kids. When I couldn't get out of a wheelchair. He would tell me you got this.  I did. I walked around the house.. Pretty independent though no use of left arm. He always was full of encouragement.

" I have always wanted to work in the medical field.   I went to school to be a Medical Assistant through Ross Medical, I had a hard time finding a placement in a doctors office.  I am now working for a non-profit in Spring Lake MI called International aid.  We help Mission hospitals get the medical equipment that need along with various other needs.  

I also have a love for animals and after fostering almost 100 cats and kittens through Heaven can Wait, I saw a need in West Michigan that brought me to the process of  starting my own non- profit helping animals and their owners.  

My goal is to have a Food Pantry for dogs and cats and be able to fill a need in peoples lives that just isn't there.   I want to be able to help individuals and families keep the furry companions in their homes.  I want to be able to help them with what needs are there, be it flea meds for a few months or helping them get a dog up to date on vaccines or a few bags of food.  

[Part 2 of 2]

"Fast forward to December 2017 I had pain in my legs again and knew it was more blood clots.  Over the years I have survived approximately 80 blood clots. I went to the ER and I was right,  it was more blood clots I ended up losing my right leg above the knee. This time getting my life back to normal and staying positive was more of a challenge.  I am at a better place now but for months I was depressed,  lonely and lost all faith in God.  I have to say through everything I have been through I had my 2 daughters that have been the biggest blessing they were 16 and 10 when all of this started and had to grow up fast and do chores that I couldn't including laundry, as I can no longer get to the basement.  I'm currently not using my legs and live life from my wheelchair. I have however, found a new church home and God had once again renewed me.  

I am excited about life and thankful to be alive.  I plan on starting therapy and learning to use my legs.  I plan to share my story for God's GLORY whenever and wherever I can!!  Life is full of challenges for everyone and we all have our own stories.  Mine seems to be worse then others but I actually have a great life with a great daughters a wonderful granddaughter and the best parents I could ever ask for.