by Judy Zabriskie

Created on: May 22, 2008   Last Updated: May 01, 2009

In retrospect what is life but for one challenge after another? To some of us life is more challenging than others or so it may seem, but one never knows what goes on behind the closed doors of others' lives they may have challenges we can't even conceive of. From the birth process (no great challenge, there with a rough trip down that narrow, slimy birth canal, ultimately ending up in an outside world we know nothing about) to death, the ultimate challenge of when to hang onto hope and when to let go, life in between is just one challenge after another.

This is not to say that life is not worth living and that everything in life comes with a challenge but how you deal with life's unexpected "adventures" is what makes you who you are. Having had my share of challenges thus far, I can attest that life is no picnic nor is it a total horror show. Being born into this world as a forceps delivery my guess is that my birth canal experience was one of torture and pain, but here I am, I ultimately made it, virtually scar free (externally.) Having had no failure to thrive I made it through my childhood years (challenges not withstanding) to my teen years. Admittedly my parents, although older and not the wiser, definitely not in love with one another or me, managed to get me through my childhood with the help of the many blessed nannies hired throughout the years. Moving on to my teen years well that is when the real challenges began (either that or I can't remember my childhood all that well so we will start with the teen years). Being a bit overweight (not obese), not the prettiest nor the ugliest in my peer group but not having the luxury of having the same clothing, vehicles, family life, family support, etc. I rebelled at each turn. It is my guess that I was seeking recognition from a family who wished not to recognize me. I did manage, however, to cease the acting out at the point where it would cause me permanent harm (must be an innate trigger.)

During my college years things did not get any easier. When all the freshman were running around with their parents in tow, decorating their rooms, settling in and being wined and dined by mommy and daddy on what was their last bout of childhood before the foray into college young adulthood, I was saddled with the responsibility of finding my mother a place to stay (which she had forgotten to do) for the 2 days she spent "settling me into my dorm."
In the process my clothing had gotten lost (sent by Railway Express to

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>