My early years were a collection of memories from faraway places that combined to make me a very well-traveled toddler. My father had begun a career with Pan American Airlines that took us to Fiji, Guam, Tokyo, Istanbul and then back stateside to places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. We lived in Turkey for 2 years and then were transferred to the states where my dad was expected to take a position operating out of New York City. The idea of living in such a metropolitan area did not appeal to him so he took a chance on a career change which landed us in the capital city of Carson City, Nevada. He worked for an insurance company and this move was the last move we would make.

I went to Carson City schools from 6th grade through high school. I then followed my future husband, Steve, to UNR from which we graduated: Steve with a degree in engineering and me with a degree in education. Steve and I were married in 1973. It was the 1970s and finding a job with good benefits was not unusual. Steve worked for the Nevada Department of Transportation and I began my career as an elementary school teacher. We saved money and made the funds last so after teaching for 3 years I “retired” to be at home and raise our family. My days were filled with taking care of our three children. Kerri our oldest arrived in 1976, Lyndi in 1979 and our youngest Jake arrived in 1986. This spacing of children provided a unique opportunity for brother-sister interaction. I have always been grateful for the young people they became.

While I was home with the kids I went back to UNR and got my Masters in Counseling and Guidance. The degree led me back to school and I was able to get a part-time job as guidance counselor at Corbett Elementary School. After Jake completed kindergarten I made the jump to a full-time position at Mark Twain Elementary School where I was the counselor for the next 21 years.

My job was prevention-based and I helped children gain skills that would make them safe in what was sometimes a chaotic and dangerous family environment. It was critical that they acquire skills to keep themselves safe and to know how to get help when they needed it. In addition to teaching children the necessary skills to keep themselves safe, I taught students skills that would improve their lives and help them grow as people.

Enough about me . . . I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank friends, furry friends, family, the community of Carson City, therapists, doctors, and my editor Jessica Santina for providing insight and support. This memoir is dedicated to you and my beautiful daughter, Kerri.