August 1998 I was a scared 17 year old that just brought home an infant on oxygen and an apnea monitor after watching him struggle for his life in the NICU. He was 88 days old when I finally cared for him on my own. Was I prepared? Nope. Was I scared? Hell yes. Did I let my circumstances define me and determine our future? Nope. I pushed through college part time, lived at home for awhile, worked and bought us our first home at the age of 21. (With my parents co-sign of course). Shortly after that I met my husband, and the best stepdad, graduated with my bachelor’s degree and had 2 more boys.

August 2017 I am the proud mother of an intelligent, confident and healthy 19 year old young man that is starting his adult life at Saginaw Valley State University! All I ever wanted was for him to be healthy and have opportunities that I did not. Today is the first step towards him accomplishing more than I ever did. He is moving out and going away to college!! The only thing standing between him and whatever he wants to accomplish is himself.