I am who I am and that is all that I am. I do not make apologies for who I have become. I do not make excuses, if I can help it. I may have some regrets, but you will never know about them. The things I have done in my past, I did because I wanted to, not because someone made me. No, I have not served in the military, but that does not make me any less patriotic. No, I did not finish college, but that does not make me any less intelligent. No, I am not a big reader, but that does not make me any less expressive. No, I am not rich, but that does not make me any less valuable. No, I do not go to church every Sunday, but that does not make me any less spiritual. No, I am not an angel, but that does not make me any less kind. I do like to exercise, but I do not jog five miles a day. I like to be healthy, but I do not always eat right. Who I am is one of the kindest, most generous, and thoughtful people you would ever want to meet UNTIL you try to cross me, take advantage of me, or disrespect me. I am a person who wants and demands RESPECT! I have been down some dark paths and to some tough places in my life, and if I have learned one thing...people who do not show respect, do not deserve respect. I will not tolerate DISRESPECT. What I am is someone who is complex, diverse, and inquisitive. I enjoy variety. You will never meet another person just like me. You can bet on that. I am constantly trying to find new ways to make things better, including myself. Most of all I love my kids. I care more about how they are raised and how they perceive the world than I do anything. I will go to the ends of the earth or even die for them, if it means that they do not have to go through or experience the things I did. TO BE CONTINUED