Hope

Family, friends and helping others has been a priority throughout my life.  During times of celebration and times of difficulty, I have made a point of being there for my family and close friends. During the many years I lived outside of California, I always came home to attend the large family holiday celebrations and catch up with family members. When my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer it became a priority for me to spend as much time with her as possible. Although at the time it meant uprooting myself from a wonderful life in Wyoming, the year I spent with my mother was not only the most difficult but one of the most enriching as well.

My close friends from college days remain important to me. As a way to keep in touch, for several years we did annual mountain bike camping trips – with spouses and kids – in Utah’s beautiful Canyonlands.  Although we are spread across the country and have busy lives, we make a point of seeing one another whenever possible.

Honesty, kindness, generosity, courage, and a “can do” attitude are values that I learned from my parents and will teach to my child.  Also important is learning to listen to and have confidence in one’s own insights. As a mother I will support the development of this understanding in my child and will encourage him or her to pursue areas of interest and inspiration.  I have no set expectations of who this child will grow up to be, and I look forward to watching how he or she develops and what kind of person he or she will become!