LIFE IS A PROGRESSION

A couple of people have ask me to tell them a little about myself.  I've put it off because quite frankly my life has not been all that interesting.  I will try to make this as painless as possible.  You ask for it so here it is:

From the time I was just a little girl I have wanted to be a Mother.  I cannot remember wanting to be anything else.  Well maybe I wanted to be a microbiologist during my high school and early adult years but not as much as the glorious calling to motherhood.  That was my destiny.  I'm pretty sure that if I had had my palm read that is what it would have said.

After graduating in 1964, I traveled around Europe and then took a bus trip across the United States and back again before settling down and getting serious about my future.  I worked at the FBI and had intended to attend BYU the following year but when I married at the age of 20 to a military man, Robert "Bob" Jorgensen,  my dreams of college ended.

While we were stationed at Fort Wolters, Texas, in 1966 we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl that we named Stephanie Michelle.   We were all packed and ready to move to Alabama for the second half of Bob's helicopter flight training when Stephanie made her appearance into the world six weeks earlier than expected.  Being so tiny she had to stay in the hospital until she weighed at least five pounds.

Knowing that as soon as she was big enough and healthy enough that we would be on our way to the new duty station we didn't want to put up and break down a crib so a dresser drawer was her first bed.  We just slide her in and out when we wanted to see her.  Just kidding.  We put the drawer on the coffee table.

Bob made the military his life from 1965 until 1969.  During that time he went to Viet Nam.  I stayed with my Mom and Dad in Maryland.  Three months after Bob left, our second child was born.  He was named Robert Arnold.  "Arnold" after Bob's best friend who was shot down and killed in Viet Nam.

In December of 1977 our third child was born, Christian Sean; and in June 1979 our fourth child, Tiffany Monique.  Three months after Tiffany was born, Bob and I separated and we divorced in 1983. This necessitated that I get a job.  Thus my life in the work force began.  I started as a secretary in a real estate office and quickly advanced to office manager.  Daughter Robyn became a welcome part of family when she was fourteen.  From the first day she has been a constant source of joy and love to all of us.  Now our family was complete.

With five children I needed to earn more money so I began a new career as an Escrow Secretary.  After a number of years I went back to school and became an Escrow Officer and later a Limited Practice Officer.  As a Limited Practice Officer I was sworn in by the State of Washington Supreme Court to the limited practice of law as it pertained to real and personal real estate transactions. Eventually I became the Designated Escrow Officer and Department Manger at Normandy Escrow.  I worked at Normandy for twelve years and loved every minute of it.

After Bob and I divorced I remained active in the church teaching Sunday School as I had for years.  I loved those little children so much and I think they taught me as much as I taught them.  

After one very fortunate breakup (although it didn't seem so at the time), I became an exercise freak to mend my broken heart.  I ran everyday regardless of the weather.  It rains a lot in Seattle so me and my little red umbrella could be seen racing up and down the streets.  That adrenaline high I got from running was addictive.

In 1992 I ran into an old boyfriend, Patrick DuBos.   I had gone with a date to the  annual Christmas Tree Lightening in the German village of Levenworth and Patrick was there also.  We have been together ever since and married in 1996.  Patrick had three children by his former wife, Gail, and I happily became stepmom to twins Michelle and Nicole and his son Alex.  Between us we had eight children.

In August of 2003 Patrick accepted a job with the Department of Defense and started working at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA.  We put our Des Moines house on the market, packed up, and moved into our dream house in Union, WA.  A short time later I started working at Land Title and Escrow in the city of Belfair.  Belfair was about 25 minutes away but the drive was along the banks of Hood Canal - an incredibly beautiful drive with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains on the other side of the canal.

I only worked there a little less than two years when it as discovered that I had a brain tumor.  All my doctor appointments resulted in an early retirement.  No longer trusting myself to drive my son Bobby put his life on hold to drive me to my many appointments and help me around the house.  By this time I had worked in Escrow for over 20 years.  I got on Social Security disability after just one try which was monumental.  I was totally surprised that I hadn't had to fight for it.  Post Script:  My brain tumor has been resolved and I no longer have it.

With so much time on my usually very busy hands I was lost at first.  Watching the Martha Stewart Show I discovered the world of crafting which lead to an interest in art and writing.  This started a new chapter in my life.  I was recognized in a national magazine, and the most recognized in its field, "Art Doll Quarterly" for some art dolls I        conceptualized, designed, and made.

Next was the discovery of social networking which opened up my world.  With my computer I can travel to any place in the world in my pajamas.  I can access the halls of science and literature or history all with my fingertips.  New friends are made and old friendships renewed on facebook.  Knowledge and friendships are just a click away.  How wonderful.

Over the years we became the very proud grandparents of Robert Timothy, Brandon Anthony, Benton George, Persephone Myra, and now baby Christian Michael.  There is nothing more wonderful than grandchildren.  My heart swells with love whenever I think of them.  They have kept me grounded this past year and four months (can it really be that long?).

When I think back on my life, I cannot help but remember a time when I thought all the chairs would always be filled at our Thanksgiving and Christmas table.  Now there is one chair that will be permanently left empty.  Never did I think suicide would ever touch our family.  I always thought things would remain the same.  All the family together sharing the same laughter, the same warmth, the same hugs, the same love.  Now we get together but our gatherings are tinged with sadness because our Christian isn't here.  My darling, beautiful son you will be forever missed but your laughter, your sense of humor, your love will always be part of us.  And the memory of you will bring us happiness and joy because you were all those things and more.  Much, much more.  I love you.