A look backwards and forward

There's one advantage of growing older - being able to look back to see where you've been or where you've come from. Life experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly. We all have them, it's whether or not we want to share them with others. My son in law told me once that a good writer is authentic. Hmm, so what's he saying? I have to tell all - everything? Probably not, but what I do tell should be real to me - and not just a made up story - unless of course, it's a fictional story.

I do have the desire to write fiction for children. I have a book that sits on an imaginary shelf called Simon and His Unlikely Friends. I'm hoping to finish it this summer. I'm excited to make the time to sit down at the computer and type words onto a paper. It's comfortable and feels right.

I have some small goals laid out in front of me. One of them is to start working as a Title Searcher again. I did this job many moons ago - and loved it. It was like being an investigator, checking documents dated up to 60 years prior - looking for money owed on the properties, etc. And then finishing the search - and getting the pat on the back or the "good job" from my dad (who hired me), was well worth the effort put into it. Dad's no longer here, but that memory is tucked in for safe keeping - and will be a reminder to me to keep going. The prize is always worth it at the end.

And I'm keeping the Ambit business as I'm already registered for the annual convention in Dallas - and all of the perks that go with that. It's a great company - and has saved people a ton of money already, while others are earning an income that pays their mortgage or car payment. Currently, mine is paying my cell phone bill. Hey - you got to start somewhere! When I was a consultant with another home-based business, I used to lead team meetings and talk to people when I was out and about. I know I can find my way back to doing these things. Timing is everything.

And my love for children's ministry - glad to have the opportunity to teach the kids on the weekend - and volunteer, when possible for other kids' activities. I say, once a kid - always a kid. Having gray hair on my head is not going to stop me from going down slides on the playground and being on swings. God created me to love His children - and I do.

Back to life experiences, I hope my friends will consider purchasing the book I am collaborating in. It will be available after Sept 14, but you can pre-order it by going to my website - and using PayPal - just go to www.suecorbran.com  Having my own domain and website is amazing. I never thought I would do that - and here I am. I hope my chapter touches others and helps them realize that God is always there for you - no matter what life brings your way.

Let me add, when you're in the midst of brokenness, keep leaning on God - He is always there and will never leave you. Trust that He knows what's best for you. That's hard, but truly worth it in the end. Until next time...

This is my beautiful family. In this picture is Sarah and Justin from Nashville; Mike and Cara from Los Angeles; Joel and Alicia from Cambridge Springs; Jennifer from Cambridge Springs with Tyler from Waterford; Amy and Larry from Knoxville (with 6 kids); Heather and Cecil from Meadville (with 6 kids), and me.

We had three days of activities together including these family photos on Tues June 9, a cookout at Alicia and Joel's house on Wed June 10, and a trip to Waldameer Park on Thurs June 11. Everyone had a great time. (2015)

Although three of the girls (Alicia, Heather and Jennifer) are technically my stepdaughters - I have been a part of their family for 10 years and most definitely feel like they are my own kids. I am doubly blessed to have all of these kids to take care of - sending them birthday and anniversary cards, Christmas gifts. And the family will continue to grow, as there are four couples without children at this time. And maybe someday, God will provide another husband for me - who has a big family. Only He knows that answer.

Perhaps we'll be able to get together every two years for a family photo. In 2017, my immediate family will be hosting a reunion, to honor what would have been our parents' 65th wedding anniversary. If everyone comes, there will be 53+ (not including my cousins).  Fun times.