Credits:
Credits:
Autumn Reflections by Skrapper Digitals and Helen Stemen
Journal:
They were both very young when I came into the world. Basically, they were still just kids ... fresh out of high school. Their youth was both a blessing and a curse. I enjoyed having parents that got down in the floor and played with me like kids ... playing with Lincoln Logs, wooden blocks, and Legos together. My knowledge of music from the 50's, 60's and the 70's is vast, because my parents were listening to the music all the time. The negative was having parents that initially didn't know what they were doing when it came to raising a child. The mixed messages of a playmate one minute and a stern disciplinarian the next was confusing. Looking back, I know they did the best they could. As their first-born child, I was sort of the practice kid. I give my parents, along with my maternal grandmother and my aunt Carole, tons of credit for making sure I was introduced to faith in the Lord. When I was a teenager, I accepted Christ into my heart and began my relationship with Him. This relationship continues to be the greatest blessing of my life. I don't have the opportunity to speak with either of my parents anymore. My sweet Mama passed away in January 2005 from cancer. The strain of grief was more than my father and I could stand ... and we parted ways. There are tons of details that go along with this that I could share, but I don't wish to rehash any of those memories. He has since remarried, and I believe he is happy and satisfied with his life. As I think back on my life, I am grateful that my parents guided me to Jesus and gave me the one thing I know I can depend on over all other things ... Him. My faith in the Lord is a direct Reflection of my Parents on my life ...