I am a 56 year old wife and mother living in Minnesota.  I retired in February of 2009 from the company that I worked for, for 35 years!  My life is JOYOUS!

My family consists of my husband, Roger, my youngest daughter, Anna, and my dog Murphy, who is a Cairn Terrier (just like Toto in the Wizard of Oz).

My oldest daughter, Elizabeth, (Liz) died on 9-20-03 from smoke inhalation due to a fire in her duplex near the University of Minnesota where she had just begun her sophomore year.  Two of her roommates, Amada and Brian, also died with her.

Liz's death was painful and something no parent should have to experience.  But I learned very early on that Liz was just fine, she was living a wonderful new life and we still have the ability to communicate.  I call this journey I have been on  my "journey from tragedy to transformation - a mother's story."

I now write and speak and share my journey whenever the opportunity presents itself.  I do so with love in my heart, and with Liz by my side.