From Then to Now: My Journey Through Life and Family

 Childhood: The Foundation

Picture of me as a happy baby

I grew up in the heart of New England, where life moved at a comfortable pace and everyone knew your name. It was the kind of place where the air smelled like freshly cut grass in summer, and woodsmoke in winter. The streets were lined with historic colonial houses, each with its own story. 

When I was a kid, I was the quiet one, always set back a bit, observing the world around me more than stepping into its spotlight. I spent a lot of time in my own head, questioning myself—wondering if I was saying the right things or doing the right things. While other kids might have jumped headfirst into the action, I was the one watching from the edges, taking it all in, and thinking ten steps ahead.

One of my favorite childhood memories was the carefree days in our big yard—our own mini racetrack since the busy road meant no riding out front. The best part was the hills. My sister, my cousins, and I raced down them, legs flying, laughter echoing, feeling invincible despite the inevitable grass stains and scraped knees.

That yard wasn’t just a space—it was our world. Homemade obstacle courses, games with rules only we understood—it was a place where adventure thrived, proving that joy exists right where we are, even with limitations.

Young Adulthood, Milestones and Challenges: Becoming Who I Am Now

My teenage years were a mix of awkward moments, contemplation, and trying to figure out where I fit in the world.

One of the most significant milestones was my first job. My first job wasn’t glamorous, but at 13, it felt like my first real step into responsibility. A couple from church hired me to clean their condo—a simple enough task, I thought. I scrubbed countertops, vacuumed carpets, and did my best to make everything shine. But there was one stubborn enemy I couldn’t defeat: the rust ring in the bathtub. Week after week, I tried everything—scrubbing, soaking, even pleading with it to disappear—but that rust ring held its ground. And then, one day, I got the news: I was fired. Over a bathtub. At 13 years old, the sting was sharp, a mix of humiliation and confusion. I had barely started learning about the working world, and already, I felt like I had failed. Looking back now, I realize that rust ring wasn’t just a stain on porcelain—it was an early lesson in ✨resilience✨.

What were some other childhood challenges I faced? Growing up in a small-town Catholic school came with its challenges. The plaid skirts and button-down shirts made us stand out, and the teasing from public school kids was mostly harmless—until it wasn’t. It taught me early on about differences, fitting in, and the quiet ways people judge each other.

Not knowing my father was another challenge, a lingering question in my life. (we can talk more about this later) I often wondered what it would be like to know his voice, his laugh, or how he saw the world. But his absence also taught me something valuable—family isn’t just about biology, but about the people who show up and stay.

An extra special person in my life is my Noni(grandmother)—the heart of our family who continues to keep us all connected. Her home is filled with laughter, love, and the kind of warmth that makes everyone feel like they belong. As I’ve grown, I’ve found my own ways to carry on what she’s started—keeping family traditions alive and staying close. Whether it’s through calls, shared meals, or hosting gatherings, these simple moments remind me just how special family bonds are.

Noni’s ability to bring people together isn't just about physical space—it is about creating a feeling, a connection, a sense of belonging. That’s something I want to keep alive for generations to come. Through it all, I hold onto the values that matter most: family, authenticity, and humor. They guide me every step of the way, shaping the story I continue to write.✍️

Family and Life Today

These days, life is a beautiful mix of chaos, laughter, and connection. My world revolves around family—the same sense of togetherness that my Noni instills in all of us.  As much as she kept us close, growing up meant watching my cousins—my childhood partners in adventure—start to veer off into their own directions. The bike races, beach trips, and late-night laughs faded as we got older and life took us down different paths. Unfortunately, we lost the closeness we once had, but in small ways, we’ve managed to hold on. Social media has become our window into each other’s lives—a place to share baby pictures, funny memes, and occasional updates that remind me of the roots we all share.

Weaving that same sense of togetherness into my husband’s family has been a joy. Over the years, I’ve grown so close to them, building bonds that feel just as strong and meaningful as the ones I grew up with. And now, we’ve created a tradition that brings both sides of the family together—our big Fourth of July picnic/Noni's Birthday. Now that we have Grandpa Shackway in our lives, we also celebrate his birthday since it's in July as well. It’s a day filled with laughter, water balloons, cornhole, and plenty of food, where generations, and friends mingle and memories are made. Watching everyone come together—sharing stories, enjoying each other's company.

 Between the traditions I’ve carried forward and the new connections we’ve built, I’m reminded every day of how special family truly is. It’s not always perfect, but that’s what makes it so wonderfully real.💓

Lessons and Takeaways: What I've Learned

I've learned that resilience comes in many forms. My mother is the perfect example—an incredibly strong woman who raised two girls on her own, navigating the weight of responsibility with grace and determination. 

Mom and I

She shows me what it means to push forward, to stand tall in the face of obstacles, and to create a loving home, despite the challenges. But the true depth of her strength didn’t fully hit me until I became a mother myself. Suddenly, I understood the sacrifice, the constant balancing act, and the unwavering love it takes to raise children. The things I once took for granted became clear, and I found a new appreciation for all she carries without complaint.

Reflecting on everything—childhood adventures, family traditions, challenges, and the connections that evolve over time—I’ve learned that family is never just about proximity. It’s about the effort to stay connected, the traditions that keep us rooted, and the love that we choose to carry forward.

💗I would love to hear from you!💗

 I’d love to hear from you. What moments from your own life resonate with the stories I’ve shared? Are there traditions you’ve carried forward, challenges you’ve learned from, or special people who’ve shaped your path?

 Share your thoughts, memories, or lessons—you never know who might find inspiration in your words. After all, storytelling has a way of connecting us, reminding us of the values and bonds that make life truly meaningful.

Let’s keep the conversation going—your voice is an important part of the story we’re building together!