Ten years ago I was unemployed, broke, almost homeless, holding the ankles of a man who didn’t love me, burying my dog who was killed before my eyes by another dog, and dragging used clothing around town to put food on the table for my eight year old daughter.

I end the decade with a steady job, a home I paid for, a man who loves me as much as I love him and is KIND, a dog and two cats (all rescues) who are sleeping around me as I type this, food in the refrigerator, and a beautiful, wise, loving eighteen year old daughter who is going to college next year with all four years saved for in an account.

Never give up. Give back when you can. Never forget what you walked through —  you’ll be so very grateful for it one day. Remain humble. Words to myself.

Happy New Year to all. Be proud of the book that is your life… you are writing it every day.

xo