When I was about 18, I thought of my future. I had always wanted to be a teacher, but didn’t pass fourth quarter geometry, had no guidance, changed my path, and became a dental hygienist. My desires for my future included lots of traveling, going to World’s Fairs, getting married, having children, and having extra money. I had no idea how low on funds my family was, that purchases couldn’t be made, just because we wanted things. Prior to these thoughts, I volunteered for the youth division of MARC, for people with intellectual problems. I found I loved volunteering and joined a few agencies. Well, we never got rich, but I could offer my time and energies to helping those less fortunate. I was taught a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and a meal on my plate was real riches. My family received funds and clothing, when my husband was in a federal penitentiary for a white collar crime. I was working 3 part time jobs, and really needed help. I never forgot the feelings, using the piece of paper that allowed us to get winter jackets and boots, or had free services to have my pipes wrapped, for insulation. My saying and I have lots of them is “Do what you can, when you can”. My life is busy, but when I heard in a seminar about all that Children’s Network does, I was in. I am new at this, and trying to have a good relationship with my mentee. I look forward every day to offer myself to G-d, to be of service, if He feels I am worthy enough.

Sayings I live by:

Be the change that you wish to see in the world. Gandhi

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. Eleanor Roosevelt

Also, each day ends with Y, so Y can’t I help?

My last thought is to offer positive thinking that life can and will get better. That is so true for me, and I want to pass it on.