I’m excited to start this new venture with Fairfield County Mom! Truth be told, I had never heard of FCM until I saw their ad for new contributors. After reading the description, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to connect with moms in my community and share some of my experiences!
I typically like to stay in my comfort zone, but something told me to take a leap of faith and go for it. So, here I am!
I grew up in Westchester County. My husband and I have been happily married for 25 years and moved to New Fairfield, CT, in the summer of 2001. We are blessed with two children: an 18-year-old college freshman and a 14-year-old high school freshman. Our pack is complete with our 8-year-old lab mix, Mac.
I spent 18 years in the CT public school system as a School Psychologist, a time I reflect upon with happiness and pride. Most of my experience entailed helping children in the Birth to Three system transition smoothly into preschool. I still miss all the kids and draw many laughs upon our interactions!
After being diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time within five years, I had to step away from my career. It was a tough decision, but I had to choose for myself.
It was the second time I had to face my own mortality. I had been blessed with being able to live and stay active in my kids’ lives for almost five years, and I was firmly planted in my desire to raise them both to adulthood.
I felt very unprepared for the first diagnosis, so I made a point to get my body physically prepared for the second coming. It was as if I instinctually knew cancer would be back for me. I had started doing high-intensity workouts and getting my eating on track. I had dropped about 30lbs – all things I was grateful for when I did get that news for the second time.
My parents, husband, and probably my kids will tell you I’m stubborn like a bull. There’s a reason I’m a Taurus: I’ve been gritty since childhood. I can’t tell you how often my parents said, “You would cut your nose to spite your face.” It’s probably true, I would have.
That bullheadedness, grit, and perseverance (whatever you would call it) have served me well and kept me going. It’s the life force within me that I have called upon during the worst times to continue having the best of times. I take nothing for granted.
It’s strange how something as awful as cancer can put life in perspective. It shows you what’s important, but even more critically, who’s important. While I don’t let it define who I am, it’s certainly impacted me. I don’t have much tolerance for drama or nonsense, and I’m very particular about who I let sit at my table.
I often say “no” to social engagements to spend the quality of time I want with those I love. With this being said, I also try to get out of my comfort zone more and have some experiences that feed my soul.
So, I hope that this leap of faith to become a Fairfield County Mom contributor will allow us to learn from each other and share life experiences through a lens of humor, humanity, and kindness. I’ve since read many Fairfield County Moms’ posts and fell in love with their authentic contributions.
I understand why so many moms follow FCM. When I say I’m thrilled to join this team, I genuinely mean it. My life is a bit of a shift right now: I’m not working outside the home, and my oldest is out of state at college. This has allowed me to relax, have more date night opportunities, and sit back and reflect on life at 51. It’s a new chapter in my book that I can’t wait to share with all of you!
