Christmas Then and Now- Sharon's Story

Meet my friend Sharon. Sharon is the one I spoke of yesterday that shares the message that causes a ruckus on our Mom's Panel. Miss that one? Catch up right here----> HERE

Today she shares a story of her Christmases through the years, from her childhood, through adulthood as a mom, and now how it looks during the "grandma" years. You can follow her humorous and inspirational blog at Sister Chat. She's always up to something, so it's a good read!

CHRISTMAS THEN AND NOW!

Everybody’s story of their family of origin is different.  It took me a while to discover that the Norman Rockwell scenes were FICTION!  After that revelation I was a much happier person.  Evidently even as a child, I’d been comparing my life with what I THOUGHT my friend’s lives were like and of course I came up short, especially at the holidays. (Only as an adult have I come to realize that all families struggle with something and perfectionism is a curse.)

My mother died when I was 11 months old, my sister was 3.  Our alcoholic father placed us in the care of our maternal grandparents and a bachelor uncle.  We were poorer than church mice but didn’t know it at the time!

Our Christmas celebrations and decorations were FAB.  At least I thought so, it’s all I knew.  They consisted of a ragged cedar tree that my uncle cut and brought in from the woods near our small town and some red and green crepe paper, twisted and taped to the ceiling corners of our very small living room. The tree was covered with those terrible silver string “icicles” and a plastic red and white star that I still treasure.  My sister and I had red “swirl” skirts and a piano!  We practiced “Drummer Boy” and “O Holy Night” for weeks for our “Christmas Program” which we and whatever cousins we could wrangle into the performance would deliver.  Our audience would be our grandparents, show time was immediately BEFORE opening presents on Christmas Eve.

Early Christmas Eve evening, the married uncles would bring their wives and many children to our home and absolutely FILL that tiny house.  After we kiddos sang a song or two, after each person opened ONE gift, the adults would crowd into the kitchen for pie. Granny had spent the day baking all kinds; chocolate cream covered with meringue was my favorite.  That party usually lasted a couple of hours. On Christmas Morning we opened ONE very small gift from Santa, checked out the hard Christmas candy (usually stuck to the inside toe of the stocking) examined the ONE huge orange in our stocking and ate turkey dinner.  It was great!  It’s all we knew and it was enough.

Our Christmas celebrations have since magnified ten-fold. 

I learned from my days in 4-H how to set a table and bake Christmas goodies. After marriage and two boys arrived, our Christmas celebrations grew and were refined to say the least.  We began to party the whole month of December. My mother-in-law taught me how to cook a turkey, sweet potatoes and cheese peas! I had an older woman friend in every city we’ve lived and each shared tips and recipes.   My time spent teaching the Bible to adults gave me the depth of the absolute miracle of Christmas.  I studied Southern Living magazine, took Christmas tours, watched my friends, and yes, looked at Norman Rockwell type paintings. I copied every good idea I saw and so our decorations, food, and celebrations became a hodge podge of everything. Pictures prove that Christmas was often “over the top.” 

Sending out Christmas cards continues to be a favorite activity as I thank God for each person on my list, remember times we’ve spent together and pray for each one and their family.  I’m going to dread the day when hard-copy Christmas cards go out of fashion!

We incorporated stockings filled with toys, a mound of gifts for each boy, lights on the house, music, church services, gathering gifts and taking them to the underprivileged, two trees in the house, Snow Village set-ups, a blow-up Santa riding in an airplane, many children’s Christmas books, kids parties, adult parties, church parties, clothespin cookies, and yes, CHOCOLATE PIE.  

Often the Christmas morning activities would begin very early, one year it was 2 a.m.  Whoever woke up first was the signal for the party to start!

One year when our oldest was three, he was invited to speak at our church and he recited from memory all of Luke 2.  I’d drawn pictures of the story on butcher paper to help him grasp the details.   

Now the “boys” are grown and have many children of their own. And we make NEW Christmas traditions. We visit them bearing gifts (usually not on THE day) and “fit into” their wives and in-laws plans.  We go to church with them, sledding, shopping or whatever they want to do.  It’s fun to watch them make their own memories with their children. 

We spoil the grandchildren terribly and are forming new traditions with them. (Making homemade noodles, taking a light tour, unwrapping gifts on a “pretend” Christmas morning.)  And we try to find time to go back to the “family of origin” and take the trip down memory lane.

I think I’ll go make a chocolate pie!

Tribute to my Gram Bryant

Last week we shared quite a few tributes to moms who have gone on to be with the Lord, but left wonderful legacies behind. I had one final tribute to write, but needed some pictures to include.

So just a few days ago, while at my mom's house on Mother's Day, we dug through some old boxes to find the pictures posted here today.

This is my mom's mom, Mary Bryant, or as we called her, Gram Bryant. She passed away 20 plus years ago, but having lived with us or very near us all of my growing up years, there are lots of memories!

She loved flowers and always worked very hard on her garden. One of my summer jobs was mowing her tiny lawn.

This is my mom when she was little- this pic is so cute!

When my mom was young, my grandma and grandpa ran a restaurant. Check out this old picture of it.My grandpa is the tall one on the right, and Gram is next to him. Look at that cash register!

My earliest years Gram lived with us downstairs. My Grandpa passed on when I was very little. I remember loving to sleep with my grandma downstairs in her bed, even though she occasionally gave me an eery thrill with her funny way of telling borderline spooky stories.

She was a woman of tall tales. Story telling drama. When I slept with her she put me on the side of the bed by the wall. She'd tell me "There's snakes down there" speaking of under the bed.
Why? I dunno.

But I loved it.

She was smart. She knew all kinds of poetry. We recited lots of poetry by memory in bed. A favorite was "Little Orphan Annie".

Later, growing up in Ponca City, she lived nearby our family. She never drove her whole life.

We walked to the park, to the grocery store...

Whenever my mom cooked goulash, I called to see if I could spend the night with her and eat anything but goulash.

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I spent the night with her often. We played cards, usually Rummy, while we drank coffee with lots and lots of sugar and cream.

She made fresh squeezed lemonade.

She didn't have a disposal and it was yucky to reach in her sink when we did dishes.

We filled up S & H green stamp books when she bought groceries, then traded books in for prizes. Anyone else remember doing that?

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I might have occasionally watched shows with her that I wasn't allowed to watch at home.

She loved soap operas. We watched Night Court.

She always watched church services on TV too.

She did crossword puzzles daily her entire life and knew a ridiculous amount of words.

I asked my mom to share 5 Things she's glad her mom did in raising her. Here is what she shared:

1. I'm thankful for a wonderful Mother who always loved me. I saw and felt her love.

2. She always provided the means for me to do things that I wanted to do. Private clarinet lessons, private piano lessons. She always put me first before herself.

3. She made wise decisions for me when I was too young to make the right decision. For instance, I enrolled in Latin in Junior High school, and she promptly unenrolled me stating that it would be useless to me and of course, she was right. I only did it because my best friend was enrolled in Latin but then she went on to become a doctor.

4. When I was a Sophomore in high school I took Shorthand but didn't like it so I made an inferior grade just because I didn't study or apply myself. I then told Mother that I wanted out of it but she said "NO". You will stay in the class. So I resigned myself to study and made all A's after that. I did use Shorthand in at least one or two jobs that I had.

5. She always worked hard being in the restaurant business and had very long days but somehow once she found the time to make me a Halloween costume by hand because I wanted to be a harem girl. HAHA!! I remember her sewing sequins on the top patiently, one by one. That was an act of pure love.

"I guess I miss her more than I have ever missed anyone. She was a special Mother and a very special Grandmother to my children."

(She was a fun grandma for sure. LOL that my mom wanted to be a harem girl. I wish we had pictures of that!)

Married with Children- Mom's Panel

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Almost monthly I have the fun sitting on a Mom's Panel with a group of ladies, sharing with other moms the best things we learned about parenting, in the stage of life we represent.

Each of us is from a different era of life and momming. This last week on my blog I've shared the highlights from toddler and elementary years, teenage and college years, and today will hear from the next mom in our panel.

Sharon represents moms of Married Children, and the wonderful Grandma stage of life.  




She makes everyone laugh when they want to squirm, with her words of wisdom peppered with a generous spoonful of sugar- humor. Clad with all kinds of zebra striped, polka dotted and neon duct tape hanging on her arm like bracelets, she is trying to start a new wedding trend. So on to number 1...

1.  Every mother of the bride and groom gets a roll of duct tape at the wedding, to put over their mouths for at least the first year of their children's marriage, or until they learn to keep their mouth shut. Only take the duct tape off to eat and offer encouragement. (Communication that's encouraged? Love your grown children unconditionally and encourage constantly. Find positive character traits and offer genuine praise. Study your children's spouses personalities and backgrounds and learn to understand them. Communicate with genuine love and respect.)

2.  Practice until perfect, instant forgiveness.  The phrase "if momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy" still applies, but after my sons married, "I ain't momma no more". Their wives must be given top priority. I've learned to rejoice and encourage the health of my children's marriages.

3. Offer my best advice ONLY when asked and accept the fact that it will not be taken. Parents of grown children must "cheer from the stands" and give them the freedom to make their own decisions.

4.  Grandchildren are the reason to have children, but I have learned that my grandchildren do not belong to me. That means that their parents choose how they will be raised, disciplined, schooled, churched or not, etc. I am part of a support system to strengthen their parents decisions, and not in competition for their love. I play with them without the use of technology, I am the memory maker, and love to spend one on one time with each of them, sharing my faith and values as well.

Number 5 deserves an extra comment here. We have presented our Moms Panel in front of hundreds of women. The first few times, we all noticed, then noticed some more, then giggled about, and finally acknowledged out loud to each other, that the atmosphere changes when Sharon shares this next one. The atmosphere either stiffens, women look sullen or just plain ticked off... or there may be an audible groan.

So common is this reaction that Sharon now announces from the podium to all groan together, a solidified effort...that if we groan together audibly, that perhaps everyone can break through the unpalatable nature of this last one. Here it is..

5.  I've learned to allow my married children to form their own new holiday traditions and in the process make some new ones of my own and be happy about it. Sharing my children and grandchildren with "those other people" at holidays is a good thing but must be learned with gracious cooperation.

Ouch.  At least she's funny when she says it! Many a women have told Sharon that her portion is ultra convicting, but such good advice...and delivered so well they receive it gladly. And are grateful.

Distracted Relationships

So yesterday we looked at how communication has sure changed...and it now has some hazards added, with texting, social media and diminishing social skills.

I've heard girls say they have been disappointed with friends who ignore them while they're together, just spending time on their phones or computers instead.

I personally notice our culture's obsession a lot in the waiting room. Everytime I sit in the orthodontist's office, I notice how no one acknowledges each other (not that we necessarily would anyway) and instead are all looking down at our phones. Me included sometimes, then other times I force myself to read instead, just to buck the trend.


Have you seen the funny commercial of all the people in the carpool texting instead of talking?

You can catch it right here  for a giggle!


But at our girls meeting, why did the room get mysteriously quiet when I mentioned how moms and especially grandmas I've talked to feel when their family is present, but on their phones instead of talking?

Is it less offensive when we are the holder of the phone and not the ignored one? I have to catch myself at this too! (daily)  It's truly addictive to have all of these devices!!

I told them about things I've heard grandmas tell me - how sad it is when everyone gets together and they're all on computers or phones. One grandma said her granddaughter asked her to move because "she was blocking the DVD". Grandma was just putting her in the carseat of the van at the time! Another mom lamented that company all came over but were on 3 different computers in the same room.

One girl said her grandma makes her put her phone down when she picks her up from school because it's Grandma Time. Go grandma!

My own mom told my kids to put their phones up over break, which they promptly did. Go Grandma! (I do practice this, it was during a time not much was going on, but then when Grandma joined us, put 'em up!)

I encourage grandmas to speak up when family is at your house. I don't mind. We've just slidden into laziness.  We all need to pay more attention to this.

THEN, the ouch. I have heard this so many times, but girls mention how aggravated they are when it's Mom on the technology when the teen wants to talk! Often roles are reversed!

When I first read this, and heard girls talk, I began paying attention to myself and realized with regret I was on mine too much. Even if it's doing business, paying bills or returning emails (all possible on the phone), it takes away from what's important.

Decide to notice your own behavior. Ask your kids what bothers them. Hey, this is a personal battle too. If a teen wants to talk, we'd be silly to be too busy. And if you have a little one at home, hoping one day they'll still want to talk to you as a teenager, practice undistracted attention right now. It's got to be in place before the teen years hit.

There is an interesting article about this, "Distracted Parenting" from CNN last summer.  It's worth the three minutes it'll take to read. Here's a quote to tickle your curiousity:

"The problem is, my kid sees me with that phone and doesn't think about all that real world stuff. She doesn't give me a pass. In that moment, she might believe my phone is more important than she is."


Basically, let's go back to the old days and imagine how people interacted before phones. It doesn't mean you can't bust out a phone occasionally to show a hilarious you tube clip, it just means be aware, be courteous. Don't let it be present all the time. YOU be present all the time.

If you see me doing this, remind me please.

Discerning Mom Vs. Rebellious Child - Wanda Watson

I'd like you to meet another friend of mine, Wanda Watson.  We met about 25 years ago through a mutual fun friend here in Tulsa. Wanda was the wise woman at the time and we were floundering youth!

Wanda has raised four amazing children, 3 daughters and a son, most of the time as a single mom. She lives in Texas now, but spent all of these childrearing years in Tulsa. Her kids are all grown, happily married and have given her 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren that she adores!!

We lost touch for years, but found each other again through Facebook! (One of the benefits of Facebook...)

One fun fact  about Wanda (that she won't tell you)  is how back then she would move wherever she felt like God led her to, for whatever period of time He said, and it was always to affect the life of someone nearby. This was when her empty nest years had started. She was extremely involved at Victory Christian Center while she was also a social worker at D.H.S. She might live in an apartment for a year because God said to move there, and there was always someone who needed her influence at that time. She loved every move and all the people along the way. She loves people, is humble, fun and silly too. But when it comes to spiritual things, she is strong and bold and seems to have a direct line to God (though she won't like that I just wrote that!) :)

There's something very beneficial about kids knowing that they can't lie, because their mom hears from God. That's the kind of mom she was. She was a very loving and supportive mom, who worked full time, volunteered many hours at church, made sure she spent time with all her kids, but also had to be extra strong, raising kids as a single mom.

I could come at her story from many angles, but what I want to focus on today is something very specific, hoping it will help those in similar situations.  That is, how to deal with a rebellious child, especially if you have the personality type Wanda has, which is very discerning.

There are too many good nuggets, so I'm breaking my 5 things rule and giving her more. She gets 8! :)

1.  You can use your discernment in two ways - to judge or for information. Some discerning people pounce on their kids because they feel like they "know" what's going on with them already. Don't pounce. Use your discernment for information, but follow up with questions. Try your best not to judge your kids. They know by your attitude when you have already judged them and they will close up. If you have a hard time not judging them, tell them "I don't want to judge you, I just need to understand, so that I won't." Never open your mouth to let the enemy of our souls use your words against them. (God watches over His Word to perform it and the enemy seems to watch over ours to make it happen as well.)


2. Even though I often knew what was going on, I didn't assume I knew for sure. I asked questions. I often said,  "You know when I was young, this is what was happening...what's it like now?" to start conversations. She seemed surprised that I was human and had any kind of problems, after all I was her mom. :)


3.  Whether your kids are rebellious or quiet, the same principles apply to each, just with a different approach. Since I never wanted to pounce or condemn her with my mouth, I prayed first and asked God how to deal with her rebellion. I asked "How do I lead her?" I always tried to give unconditional love, without judging her. God allows us to see their goodness and focus on that, rather than totally on the deed done, so we can teach them how to turn it around to their good. There were a few times when God put my discipline on hold until He had better opportunity to get my hearing in tune with His way of doing things; rather then me going off on a tangent at the moment of occurence.


4. I explained to her, sometimes drawing pictures so it made more sense, that she was  in this parameter of safety that God had for her (under me as the parent).  I drew a box to represent that. This parameter will expand as she got older, with more freedoms and trustworthiness.  If she messed up, the parameter decreased, with fewer freedoms, but it didn't mean she was a bad person.  It just meant she wasn't emotionally ready to have the parameter expanded. My answer wasn't "You can't do it again", but yes, when you are ready. Or we will try this again after you have had time to show you can handle more of your own decisions in other areas. I'm supporting you until you are ready. I'm on your team. My job is to protect you and I love doing it!

5.  I reasoned with my kids.  Taught them the right thing, let them know of choices that were ahead, what would happen, how to make better choices...We expounded not just on the consenquece of the bad decisions but the benefits of the good ones. I let them know that growing up is a process and they will make mistakes but I am always there to support them when it goes well and help when it does not.  This allowed me to be proactive instead of reactive. Roleplay with your kids.


6.  God gives you ability and insight with your kids. Listen to it and follow through with it. When I said my youngest couldn't date until 16, I didn't  relent on rules. I had to follow through.  Curfew was midnight, not 5 minutes after midnight. If they were after midnight at all, they had to skip the next date.  Even if the excuse was legitimate. I let her boyfriend and her know that being responsible in dating is planning ahead for delays. When she did start dating, I said "these are the days you can date, you won't go out more than these certain days a week." When she hit her limit that week, I didn't relent even if special circumstances came up. The mom of one of her dates was upset with me, saying "I don't want to have a Romeo and Juliet situation, since they aren't allowed to be together".  I said, "If you're son is that unstable, I'd rather they not keep dating."


I wouldn't let her go to the Caravan, the teen dance club in Tulsa. I told her and her date, "I'll know you are there and I'll come inside, embarrass you and get you out."  She actually smiled and shook her head in a "yes she will" kind of way that was not at all sarcastic. It told me that in her heart she really did know that my restrictions were because of my love for her and I would take care of her even if she couldn't. They never did go to the Caravan.I had to be strict because of her rebelliousness and stubbornness. She needed to know that I loved her. At times I knew her obedience was because  she knew there were consequences and not because it was in her heart, but God reminded me that obedience in action will lead to obedience in heart.


7.  Pray for wisdom. One of my daughters and her now husband, when they dated and would sit in the vehicle too long in the driveway, I would send younger siblings out to see them in the driveway so it wouldn't cause embarrassment, but would let them know it was time to come in.  Had that not worked I would have not had a problem embarrassing them by coming out myself. Later they told me they're glad I did that. God knew.


8. Pray scriptures for your kids, pray that the Word will be true in their lives. My kids know and say that I prayed Isaiah 61 over them, and have told me the many ways that Isaiah 61 has come true in their lives.


Other people  have commented to me what a blessing my children are to them and how their ministry to them has changed their lives. Now I have grandchildren who are following Christ and are now blessing others. The Word of God prayed over your chldren will not return to the Father without producing what that Word is sent out to do. He is faithful.

This daughter who was rebellious back then, is now a surgical care R.N. and working towards a degree to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Some kids are easy, some are difficult. Pray for wisdom and insight. Never assume you know what's going on. Never judge your kids. Love them unconditionally. Be the parent.


I know that God taught me so much while raising my children and it was a case by case or child by child lesson, but when we are willing to trust Him and listen to HIs Spirit He will never fail to lead us to right thinking and decisions for each one. He promises to give wisdom.

5 Things I'm Glad I Did- Laura Francis

Photo credit: Pinterest Getty Images

It's been a bit since I've shared a 5 Things story from a Mom. I'm going to interrupt my friendship/bullying series to share a few Mom stories with you. To refresh memory, I ask moms of grown daughters if they will share "5 Things I'm Glad I Did Raising My Daughter".  These ladies have the advantage now of hindsight and can share with those of us still in the trenches what top things they see now that were most valuable.

I want to introduce you to a friend of mine, Laura Francis. I met Laura through Christian Women's Club, when I was asked to do a Fashion Show at a local event she was partially in charge of.  When we met, through conversation, one of us said something that sparked our common interest in advocating for young people. Once the fashion show was over with, we met to discuss bigger issues and have since been in many brainstorming sessions and events together, making efforts to better this world. 

I asked her, as a mom of a grown daughter and son, and grandma to two (with another due in December!)to share "5 things she's glad she did raising her daughter".  I thought her perspective would be interesting and helpful to many, because I've heard Laura's background.  You'd never guess it now, but she was raised in an abusive home. That surprised me when I first learned of it, because she's such a great mom. I wondered how she turned the tide so to speak, parenting well instead of repeating the cycle. And it's hard to imagine that she hardly left her house for years, being agoraphobic. She is nothing like that now!!

She tells of a special moment in childhood that looking back, I believe was God's hand on her life, when no one else was there.

"When I was four or five, we lived on a wheat ranch in the Texas panhandle (my dad managed the planting and harvesting of the wheat crops).  One summer day, my mother had made me a bologna sandwich and red kool-aid for lunch. (When my brother was in school, she usually locked me out of the house so she could watch her soaps or something). Anyway, I took it to the horse corral to eat it.  Sitting there on an old salt lick, I just felt a warm silence...kind of like an awareness or just knowing that I was different than what my family was relaying to me and ....that I wasn't alone.  The sun was shining, I had on an old white play dress, and no shoes on.  Actually, it was one of the few times as a child that I felt a type of safeness.  Yes...that I was safe and I was loved.  That memory has never left me. Life in the home I grew up in was pure chaos."

When I asked her how she didn't repeat the cycle, as is so common, she shared this.

"Because of my dysfunctional upbringing and family relationships, I could not have changed without the help of a psychologist(s).  I developed major anxiety disorder, a short time of agoraphobia, and was a type of functioning phobic for over 18 years.  The first psychologist introduced me to the love of God...for the first time in my life, she taught me to begin to consider that I was lovable. She also told me that the bravest thing anyone ever does is ask for help.  As a result of that kind of help and an agreement with my husband, Tony...we continued to treat our children as we both would have liked to been treated...with love, respect, and a true interest in their lives.  We encouraged independence,  compassion, and generosity as character traits."

She said one of the greatest compliments she ever received was from her own daughter, who said "I wish you had a mom like I have".  In my book, that says alot, so curiousity overtook me and I asked if she'd share her insights with us.

In her words...

"This was a hard one for me. I was an abused child, so I made choices raising my children that were never taught to me, but that I somehow knew were important. Here we go:



I'm glad I did the following raising my daughter:


1. We made sure we voiced that she was cherished, and was born on purpose for a purpose. We encouraged her creativity and natural gifts with wonder, love, and humor, AND that doing things "afraid" was part of the journey. That even failing was fine as long as she was moving forward. "It's hard to steer a parked car".


2. Choices were always part of the problem solving method. With choice A or B, we discussed what the responsibility and consequences would be.


3. I valued her and her input and never "shushed" her.


4. When she was dealing with a problem, I asked lots of questions in a variety of ways, not expecting the issue to "take care of itself or go away". I did my best to never abandon her emotionally.


5. I encouraged a strong relationship with her dad.


Number 6 would be that I have learned to watch, listen and enjoy her journey and to say "that's interesting" to so many things she does. She is not mine, she is God's. I am no longer her "mother", but one of her mentors who loves her with more depth than she may ever know."

Her kids today are grown and successful.

"Today, Matt is a 32 year old man who is kind, insightful, and very creative. He's very high energy and analyzes almost everything. He has a PHD in Electrical Engineering as well as a Masters in Physics and Electrical Engineering. He works part-time at the University of Arkansas coaching future PHD's and he is the president of a technology company that does research for space and the military. He is a true scientist. He has been married for over 6 years to Lynn, who is a music (percussion) professor at the U of A and they are expecting their first child in December. They live on a ten acre working farm in northwest Arkansas and are restoring the 115 year old farmhouse they live in...complete with music studio. Matt, too is a percussionist. He is a loving and caring husband, very disciplined, and not afraid to take a risk.


Kristen is 31, and is one of the most level headed young women I know. She has a very reflective personality and looks for the good in all situations and has understood from a very early age that it is not her job to fix other people. She is private with her emotions and generous with her love. She has a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Arkansas (a 5 year program she completed in 4 years). She married her husband when she was 20...Wayne is an attorney who owns a law office in Fayetteville and other small offices in several remote locations. He runs the law side with several other attorneys and she is his business manager. They have been married for 11 years and have worked together the entire time...no small feat. They have two children, Allison 7, and Jack 3. Kristen is a mother who gives her children love, respect, and expectations. She talks to them often about making good or bad choices. She encourages one on one time with their dad and very importantly, plans one on one time with her husband. They have consistent date nights and little vacations to stay connected and not talk about business."


Both of the two couples are musicians and performers...and Allison can already play a mean marimba, a little piano, and drum trap set...Jack is working on the drum stuff, too. Music is a huge common link in the family.

Tony and I look at these kids and many times wonder how in the world we were blessed with them!"


When I read her 5 things she did, they make sense to me, knowing Laura. She did this for her kids and does this for many people still.  As a career coach, catalyst, motivator and networker, she listens, asks questions and inspires many to pursue their passions. As a career coach, she taught me that I'm a "green", which explained alot. (I'll leave you wondering. You'll have to ask her!)

One thing I admire about Laura is how she's filling her time now as an empty-nester and grandma. She and a good friend volunteer with OATH, helping to educate about Sex Trafficking in America, in pursuit of ending this awful practice. She also spends much time substituting for public schools, mainly in areas that are difficult to get substitutes, the tougher parts of town. She's learning the needs of our town this way and is able to make a difference in children's lives, even if it's just for one day. (It's definitely not for the money!)  From stories I've heard, I doubt those kids will forget their one day with Mrs. Francis. Quite a far cry from agoraphobia days. God is good!

Laura should be an inspiration to those from difficult backgrounds. It's possible to change and not repeat the cycles you may have experienced. She is proof!

And I also think she should be an inspiration to all the empty nesters out there that there is much work to be done.

Empty nesters and grandmas, it's time to use the gifts, abilities and experiences you have, plus the time you have now, to better our world.

There's people out there that need you.