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This is where I’m supposed to tell you all about me. Giving you a glimpse into my personal life and the things that brought me to this place. However, I’m going back and forth with that little voice in my head that says, “Be polite, and keep it short and sweet.” Then the other voice (hopefully I’m not the only person who argues inside their head) says, “Be honest, tell them some history, give them a REAL perspective of who you are.” So I’ve decided to satisfy both sides by giving some history and attempting to keep it to the point.
Early Days
Can’t you tell this is 1985!
My husband Ricky and I have been married 32 years and we’re closer now than the day we married. He’s my rock, my stability when things get shaky, my friend, and the love of my life. The Lord blessed us with five beautiful daughters, three wonderful son-in-laws, three granddaughters, two grandsons, and another granddaughter on the way. Here’s a not so glamorous photo of our crowd on Thanksgiving 2015 at my brother-in-law’s house. A more recent picture of everyone is to the right.
My Life
My childhood was less than ideal with parents who were a product of the sixties, live free, go your own way, and use drugs to make it interesting. My mom tried her best as she struggled with emotional illness and self medication, but she did teach my sister (who is eight years younger) and me some very valuable life lessons in her backward way. My sister and I reflect on the expanse of wisdom she gave us that we didn’t appreciate until much later in life.
I left home at 16, graduated from high school at 17 then began working full time. My goal was to have a career, a home, a car, and food on the table every night (with electricity). My focus was solely on “stuff,” the things I didn’t have growing up, and oh how life changes along the way. The Lord brought Ricky into my life. He wanted a family and I didn’t want kids. After a lot of persuading I agreed to have one child. That one child changed everything! She nearly killed me upon her arrival (and I mean that literally, it’s another story) but in a few short months I wanted another baby.
Heaven’s Mysteries
The Lord was working on me and I wasn’t even aware of it, but a few years later (and two more daughters) I became a child of the King at 29. He changed my focus from “things” to “people” and I’m forever grateful that He didn’t give up on me. He protected me through breast cancer in 2009 and all that came with it. That year was one of the hardest, sweetest, most magnificent times in my life. My family and the Lord came closer to my heart than ever before. The Lord walked me through a fire and I was not burned! I didn’t even smell of smoke. He is an awesome God!
Also, as the Lord changed my heart, my family’s homeschool journey began. One of our girls was diagnosed with a learning disability in second grade. At that time the Lord impressed upon us to homeschool our children and we were still schooling 20 years later…whew! I’ve loved being with my girls and I’ve learned more than I care to admit! It has been a joy. This phase has ended in my life, our youngest daughter has graduated from high school and is officially a college student.
One Season Ends, A New Begins
I’m a little sad about that phase of our life ending, but I think that’s where this blog begins. All 30 years of raising five girls, teaching them, and training them has been like a river that flows into another where experiences are to be shared from one generation to another in hopes that it will encourage, strengthen, and guide them. The Lord has called me to a new ministry that He designed.
Currently, I’m working on a new website for this ministry. This site is an opportunity for us to connect on a more personal level. The Lord led me to this place, allowing me to walk with you on your journey through motherhood. I’m calling it iMentorMoms. You can connect with me through phone, Skype, or in person if you live close enough! I chose the word mentor because it means an experienced and trusted advisor. My wealth of experience in so many areas allows me to understand where you are in life. For more information you can contact me at Romona@Raising5Girls.com. I can’t wait to meet you!
Till Next Time,
Romona
