I have often been told I am a "peacemaker". I'm never quite sure if that's a compliment or not, but I suppose there is a strand of truth in it. Life is too short to be angry (at least for very long). I try to be "good" and to do the right thing and it's very important to me to help those around me whenever I can.

I tend to make big plans so I'm often told that I'm a "dreamer" or "unrealistic". I was also told the same thing when I joined the Church, so I suppose I've never been very good at listening to people tell me what can and can't be accomplished.

I was born and raised in humble circumstances and I've struggled for nearly my entire life to succeed in a world that I've never really felt a part "of". But struggle brings strength, and that's what it's done for me.

So now, looking back at the rocky terrain I've traversed to get here and seeing the "view", I can say I've been truly blessed. Life is good.

I AM an optimist, a romantic and a dreamer. I believe in all the stupid things that people tell you that can't exist long-term in husband/wife relationships - and I don't need to repeat them here because you know what they are.

But I've come to know that the only thing that ultimately rewards us in life is our love for others.