The end of the year is drawing near and I have been reflecting on my journey or my growth through out this life i live. Born in Ohio, I was raised mainly in Nebraska with sojourns in Missouri and various other sites. My parents took everywhere with them and many of the trips i can not recall. Too young but one was to Mexico city d.f. and for the first time I was brought face to face with something that was not the American lifestyle or expectations. Changed me forever as I still enjoy other cultures and am willing to taste their food, walk their streets, and try their pace of life. what have I gained form this? A realization that there is not just one way of life and a tolerance for the differences among the world's peoples and an a greater appreciation of how we do not differ in the most basic needs.
An only child born to older(DAD was 30 ;Mom 19) the skills of being part of social interaction could have been hard to learn. But the 30+ cousins on mom's side ranging in age form 15 years older to 6 years younger taught me those lessons which I promptly passed on to the two younger ( both only girls also) on y dad's side of the family tree. It was also firmly implanted in me that i was no better than anyone else by the nun's at Saint T's in Lincoln, Ne. and classmates in three states. Some of those lessons were difficult but now I admit necessary.
One big life lesson was watching my marriage fail after twenty -five years. I found out that one person can not make a marriage work and though I have not remarried by choice i do not regret the marriage and my three daughters from the union. I regret the loss of what a thought was a life love; yet. admittedly my life is rich and full and more traveled than it would have been otherwise.
My faith journey has been interesting. Mom an ex catholic sent to ST T's because I read at third grade level in kindergarten( had polio and learned to entertain myself) and no way would she let the public school bump up several notches. So religion lessons, daily mass, rosaries before lunch and stations of the became part of my school life. Heck I even stayed at the convent when Mom when back east as her father was ill. To have balance I went to Lutheran school on Saturday for religion on Dad's side. Now I am Catholic you know how the twig is bent but having trouble since the last election with being told how to vote. Mass Has not seen me for a month now but am feeling the need to get back.
More journey at a later date. time to head for my classes that I teach at HCC ( a junior college) and French is over at the high school In Buhler.
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