Three Decades of Candy

I'm 30.....and it's all good.

I've really been thinking about just how pleased I am with my life. I'm not sad or anything about turning 30....in fact, I welcome it. I fell like I've EARNED 30!

This day I'm reflecting on the three decades of my life.

Birth-10 years old: These years are difficult for me to remember. Although we were poor....I know that during this time, my mom was working her ass off and she always tried to give us the very best. She was strict, and sometimes a bit harsh....but she showed love by providing. Now that I'm a mother, I recognize how hard my mother tried. I remember my grandfather during this time as a STRONG man....very tall and smoking a pipe. He later became a double amputee with emphasima (sp). He's one of my best memories as a small child. I remember going to the country to spend time with my Nana and Grandpa....they treated me like I was so special. I remember taking ballet...and dressing up as a blue fairy (I think that's what I was....I looked like a smurf!). I had a step Dad that I LOVED for about 5 years. I was heartbroken when he was out of my life. I remember my life was very simple; eat, sleep, play, mind my mother....that was about it.

10-20 years old: Wow...what changes happened during this decade. I went from a child to a Mom! We moved to Vegas and that set the path for some really fun adventures and some heartbreaking situations. I'll always cherish my time in Vegas though. I met my ex-husband and father of my 2 little ladies. My lifetime path was chosen during these years. I got pregnant, broke my back, had back surgery, found a wonderful school, met my best friend, entered the work force, moved out of my moms house, graduated high school, got married, got divorced, moved to Warrensburg.... I was quite busy!

20-30 years old: This last decade I've "defined myself". I was pretty lost when I was 20...for sure. I was very superficial and head strong. I moved back to KC when I was 22, and had my son just after I turned 23. I started working in an office that same year. I moved from N. Kansas City after a bad breakup with my sons father and started life over. From the bottom....I was poor with 3 kids. I "made too much money" for welfare (which is a crock btw). I worked VERY hard to make ends meet....and I accepted charity more than once. I found God when I was 24...I developed a personal relationship with him when I was 25. I saw my little girls turn into little women and my son sprout up (finally!). I spent several years hanging out with myself and my kids and it was very good for me. I met my husband and took my time getting to know him even before we dated...we have been together almost 3 years now. I'm happier than I've ever been today, and tomorrow will be even better.

I can honestly say I'm proud to be 30.......(but I'll be using my face cream every night!!)