All I ask is that you see me as a human being with a rich full life.

as the wife of a loving, kind and considerate man.

as the mother of a grown son who is kind, smart, and hard-working.

as a grandmother who loves her grands without reservation.

as a friend to people I’ve known since childhood, and others I’ve met along the way.

as a teacher and advocate for kids.

All I ask is that you see me as I am – mostly good, with some flaws – living, dreaming, working, gardening, and reading.

All I ask is that you do your best for me.

*Written before I underwent 18 hours of back surgery that was far more serious than I knew.