What will you do with your one wild and precious life?

 Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? 

                                                                            *Mary Oliver*

I never had a plan. If I had would my life have been better? Maybe. Would it have been worse? Maybe. One thing for sure, it would have been different. 

For the longest time I regretted not getting a college degree. The world puts a lot of value on that. Well I had a two year degree from a community college but ~ big deal. For the longest time I felt "less than" because that’s all I had. 

I didn’t have a big career. I married young. I bounced around working in public schools for awhile. Worked in a small PR firm. Worked for a cable programmer. Went on to a large cable network in PR and Programming. Back to a public school ~ because I thought that would make me happy. It didn’t.

Then came the gift of time that Charlie gave me. “Do what you love.” 

So I created, designed and marketed a line of stuffed animals because there is a strong childhood connection with my little plush buddies. But that’s another story for another day. I digress. 

I got married at 19 because I wanted out of the Midwest and that seemed to be the easiest way to do it. I wasn't messing around. I moved to Canada. So, as you can see, I had no plan. 

What I didn't realize was in all of that scurrying around, I was making a life and I didn't even realize it. My wild and precious (emphasis on precious) started when I was 21. 

I had my first son when I was 21. I had no clue what I was doing and the nearest family was 700 miles away. So I just winged it. Being in unchartered waters I did my best.  And despite the fear of screwing this child up, it was delightful. And so was he. 

So enjoyable that I wanted to do it again so my second son was born when I was 24. He was a character and made me laugh every day. 

So that journey began. And what a ride it has been. I wouldn’t change a thing. Now, both fathers with children of their own, I am so proud of them. So lucky to be their Mom and Mimi to their precious children…

I met Charlie in 1991. We had a lot of fun and by 1993 we sealed the deal and here we are 32 years later. Ups and downs and all arounds.

It has been, and continues to be, what I am so happy to say is my one wild and precious life.

Namaste.