What’s to tell?
Hard to say… I am in a space now that I never thought I would be. Life is short and truly God’s plan. Successful in my new career, happier than I ever thought possible,and at times lonely-making dreams come true and most importantly the mother of two amazing children and the grandmother of Winslow Elizabeth.
I am from Palo Alto, CA-when it was just a wonderful place to grow up; not the Silicon Valley or anything more. My parents bought a lovely piece of property backing to Adobe Creek and built our family home in 1962 on Moana Ct. No Teslas, no one locked their doors or cared about SAT scores.
I graduated from Gunn High School in 1976, the bicentennial year. Our neighborhood was extraordinary. A tight cul de sac of 11 families. I am honored to still be friends be with neighbors, high school and elementary school classmates.
When we were young we would play all summer day and night; capture the flag, kickball-coming home only to quickly eat dinner and then go out again and play until dark.
On Moana Ct we ran in and out of each other’s houses as children and then as teenagers as well; but the later years were a bit less care free and ones of experiences (drugs, sex, rock and roll) and awakening.
60 years later I am a work in progress. I still struggle with friendships, self care and perfection. I try at times, like everyone else, to put on my best Instagram face. There is one thing I have now that I never thought I would be worthy of and that is my beautiful son and daughter.
Having a family never seemed possible or even a consideration for so many years and to be blessed with one now is just so amazing. The love, devotion, fierce protection and gratitude I have for them makes my heart hurt with happiness (and a good share of pain as anyone that is a parent can attest to.)
When my children were young I was so exhausted, sleep deprived, stressed, unsure, so many things that I forget the unbelievable joy that a child’s smile can bring, their tears and their laughter.
Good News!!!!!!! God gives you a second chance when you become a grandparent.
To have a grandchild, a beautiful granddaughter, is something I wasn’t prepared for, but………being Shannie is one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Here goes.
the grannie 