Starting Over

One morning I decided to go to the thrift store. I recently moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina. My two children were living in different cities. So, I thought I would move back to North Carolina and think about what I would be doing with my life.

I found a 1-bedroom apartment and decided to go to the thrift store and buy some knick knacks. The type of person I am is that no one is a stranger. Living next door to neighbors and not knowing them is unheard of in my book. God put us on this earth to be friendly. Yes, I know not everyone is. But, I can pretty much tell who not to associate with. Well, I was open bait. I would say hi to my neighbors and tell them that I live by myself and that my kids were grown. No, we do not live in the 70's and 80's when people were so nice and friendly. Well, one day I came home from the thrift store and I go into my apartment and someone ransacked my apartment. It was not a good feeling at all. For those of you that ever had that happen to you, it feels so bad. So, I called the Landlord and the police. The locks were changed and fingerprints were taken. I had my important papers and every room was ransacked. I had a book case and I had put $230.00 away toward my rent. I had it in an eyeglass case. The robbers did not see it. Well, thank God for that. So, my daughter asked me to move to California to help with the grandbabies. I live in Antioch, California.

I have learned that, we cannot share everything with the world. I was so hurt and cried woe is me Lord. But, I had to look at the bright side that I was not at home. The neighbor told me that he noticed a guy outside of my apartment. Well, I finally am healed from that ordeal.

I am 55 years old, and through out my life, I would start school or a job but never had the confidence to ever finish what I started. Well, one day I was in a Travel Agent’s office and we were discussing school. She asked me to think about Travel Agent School. Well, now I attend Los Medanos College. I am taking 2 online classes. It feels really good to meet so many caring people. I know now that I will finish this class. I don't know if I will end up a Travel Agent, but at least I am doing something. So, taking care of the grandchildren and school gives me focus.

Whenever I get a chance, I mentor the young college students to encourage them to find their dream and passion of what they want to pursue in life. Don't end up like I did. My heart goes out to the young people. Someone always helped me in life. I am thankful. I just was so mixed up.

But I thank God that I can be a blessing to my grandchildren. When my daughter walks in the door from work, I can see the relief on her face that mom is around.

When I was 29, I joined the Army.