Well, I grew up in the Florida Panhandle and had aspirations of being a Radio City Rockette til I had a severe leg injury. I'd played piano since age 5 so, music was this next pursuit. I played in metal, rock, and top 40 bands; but being a mother was more important than chasing the limelight.

I've been writing poetry, articles and short stories for over 30 years. Publications have included anthologies, news letters, and magazines.

Better late than never; I completed my degree in Anthropology and Archaeology in 2005. My academic focus is currently ethnoarchaeology and correlations between Amerindian migration stories.

Most memorable moments: watching my daughters grow up, jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet, getting my writing published, graduating from college, meeting my grandsons, holding Dad's hand as he slipped away, standing atop a Hopi Mesa, watching the kachinas dance in the plaza, and seeing the eagles soar across the painted desert.
There are many more, but these stand out the most at this time.

A few days before Dad died he talked about many of these moments; they meant as much to him as to me. He was proud of my courage and reveled in my accomplishments; my experiences became his. He said I should listen to Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dying" cause it said so much. Well, Dad was a man of few words and this song said it all... It has become my mantra.

I've been sky diving, I've climbed the Smokies and the Superstitions (the Rockies are next), I rode an 'electric' bull for a few seconds, I've loved and love deeply, and I've finally given forgiveness I've been denying. Now it's time to 'Live' like there's no tomorrow!

My passion is ...

LIFE

I know too much about ...

soap scum

My parents always told me ...

"Say what you mean and mean what you say." "Do you think you live in a barn?" "Can't never could til he tried."

My childhood ambition ...

To be a Radio City Rockette and to work with Jacque Cousteau aboard the Calypso!

My favorite memory ...

Going to work with my Dad and falling asleep in the empty boxes.

Why I write ...

To escape, inform, enlighten, and learn about myself.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Native American flute music by Mark Barfoot.

My first job ...

At my parents store.

My best moment ...

Placing 1st in the SE Regional Yoshikai Karate Tournament at 40.

My inspiration ...

My parents, my family, my life and all that the creator has given us.

Health & Fitness > Medical Ethics Is signing a DNR (do not resuscitate) order passive suicide?

2 of 22

To sign or not, that is a proposition many of us will face one day. A DNR allows a terminally ill patient to die with dignity. No tubes, machines, bells or whistles. Allow me a brief moment of your time to tell my story.

My name is Melvin and I fervently fought over a three year battle with lung cancer. Daddy's girl prayed and prayed that I'd make it her college graduation. How wonderful it was to share that moment. Chemotherapy and radiation were my only hopes, ones which I exploited to the fullest extent. These potential life savers left me a fragile shell of my previous self. My right...

More..

Rating: