Just Me & the Cats

As my life has unfolded, I do notice a few wrinkles. These are an important part of my life's timeline. These "ripples" are a reminder that it has not always been smooth sailing. Interestingly enough, I enjoy thinking of some of the moves I have made and often ponder how this chess game will end.

I went to college and married during college. I completed my degree nine months pregnant but did manage to take part in graduation. I even stood on my seat and threw my cap in the air, much to the dismay of my husband Ray, and friends! It was, indeed, the best of times.

Denise Danielle was born on May 25th. She was my little bicentennial baby. Her Dad was in class at the county college that evening. He was taking calculus. Amazing the details I remember 34 years later. I went into labor after Ray got home. My doctor said it wasn't a coincidence. This little girl wasn't going to be born until Dad got home.

This was a classic pregnancy, complete with being stopped for running a red light! Ray jumped out of the car in a panic, yelling "My wife is having a baby!" The police just said, "Go! Go!" Ray jumped back in the car and sped away.

The hospital was twenty-five miles away. It was the longest 25 miles of my life! Ray was trying to miss all the bumps in the road. He was such a sweetheart. He kept telling me he was sorry when he hit a bump! Once we got on the interstate, though, it was smooth sailing. I was in labor about 5 hours. The doctor was trying to get the baby to turn. Later, she told me she was "standing" at attention, like a little soldier. It must have been my husband's military training! She was born breech (feet first).

I was going to name the baby William, after my father. However, a girl was going to be Danielle Denise. Ulitmately, I settled on Denise Danielle. I'm glad I did. Danielle was a very popular name that year. Denise was more unique. Years later when I told Denise this story, she said "I like my name!" I also saved her from having her name misspelled as, up to the last minute, she was Denyse Danielle. When I told Ray to make it an "i", he was very happy. However, if I had stuck with the "y" he would have been OK with that, too. He was a sweetheart.

I now have grandchildren, Caleb Isaak and Victoria Nicole. They are the light of my life! Caleb is a great deal like his grandfather. He is sensitive and considerate. As a 7th grader, he towers over me! Victoria is a cheerleader. She is a 6th grader.

My husband and I were divorced, but we remained very good friends. As a matter of fact, after the divorce hearing, we went out for breakfast! When we told our attorneys, they just looked at each other and said, "Did we do the right thing?"

I always made sure Ray knew what was going on with his daughter. I moved to Florida but had her fly up during the summers to visit. Until the day he died, Ray was my best friend.

After the initial shock of realizing my grandchildren are now in middle school, and reflecting on my life, I realize how fortunate I have been. I feel I have lived my life true to myself and others. I have few regrets. I have a lovely daughter, a terrific son-in-law, and two terrific grandchildren. My husband, Ray, passed away in 2001. He died 4 months after his father. His mother moved to Florida to be with her grandchilren. My mother is 89 years young and still going strong.

Alas, the big house was actually a terrific move. Once the grandchildren stopped visiting all the time, I turned my full attention to the cats: Felix, Plato, and Oliver. Right now, Plato is perched by my computer, waiting for me to notice him!

My life has been very rewarding.  Besides my cats, I have a class full of children Monday through Friday.  I went on to become a teacher in middle school.  I have said this before but it is worth repeating.  I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. 

So, in closing , you see, it really is "Just Me & the Cats" and all my kids!