I was born in Downey, California in 1943 to a lovely, but stubborn minded, mother and a handsome raucous, outgoing, heavy-drinking father.  My childhood was chaotic with the sound of loving and fighting, as passion seemed to be the rule of thumb around our house.
            I left home early, married young and had four children by the time I was 25.  Following in the footsteps of my parents, my life has been filled with passion.  I believe in love, despite some rather discouraging experiences.  I married for the 3rd time, because I heard that three is a charm and indeed it is.  My husband Rene is a kind, generous, loving man who believes in me.  I have laughed and cried with equal vigor.  I loved being pregnant, giving birth, and raising children.       
            I have suffered loss (as most of us have or will).   I've fought the war on drugs only to watch my handsome young son die in the battle.  I was with my mom when she took her last breath following a futile battle with breast cancer.  Her strength throughout the experience is within me everyday of my life.  She will always be my hero.  I lost a breast to the same illness many years later and in the loss realized that life was all about choices and I chose life over breast.
            Now, at 60+ I'm in the most peaceful time of my life.  I try to enjoy each day for the gift it is, and pass on what I've learned, about living and dying with dignity, to my children, my grandchildren and anyone else that will listen.