Who am I?

Who am I?

What a hard question to answer. Since I have so many titles to address who I am. Usually, I am a mom...Then there's the I'm the wife of a minister. I've also been Staff Sergeant in the military, a teacher and the Dean of At-Risk Students. Let's not forget, that I'm a daughter, a big sister, an auntie and a grandma. You know me, I'm a friend to everybody. But seriously, can you tell who I am? I'm Tammy.

I claim Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I love helping those who can not help themselves. I've always been the advocate for those who are weaker than I am, the ones with no voice. I'm the one that you see at the store who will always say hello because I know that there are people in this world with no one to talk too. I'm the one who'll be there when you call no matter how late it is and I won't judge.

It's me, the one who you've seen over the years driving one of her kids to practice while waving quickly to her husband who is taking another in a different direction. It's me, you know the one who'll pray and fast with you if you ask. It's me the one who will cheer you on so that you know there is someone there for you.I'm that lady that has so much education that I'm still not done.

You know, I have a Master's Degree in Special Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and I'm getting my Doctorate's in Eductional Leadership, May 2012.

You know the one that people always ask, "how do you manage with all those kids and working and going to school?" and I always reply, "God is good and He gave me a great husband."

It's me! Tammy.

I'm the one who quit smoking, on December 31st, 2005.

You know me, I'm the one who has been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease last year called: Rheumatoid Arthritis. Remember? It's me, the one who asks that you keep praying that God gives me the strength to make it through each and everyday. The one who asks that you pray for my husband and my children that are going through this disease with me. It's me, the one who knows that life is too short and trying to live each and every moment the best way I can. I hope that as I write these words, I can answer who I am. From the words of someone who has already lost their battle with an auto-immune disease, "I believe that, as a culture, we shy away from anything surrounding death and, consequently, deprive ourselves of all the lessons inherent in the dying and grieving process. We ignore the reality that death is as much a part of life as birth."

I hope that my posts cover the gamut of human emotions because, as a Puerto Rican, I have always had a "rich" emotional life. While many posts are sad just as many are comical. This is not my version of "The Last Lecture." It is my heart, my thoughts, my joys, and my fears as they unfold along this journey. My hope is that you will find some of it useful on your own life's journey. I hope that sharing my experiences will help not only those struggling with life threatening illnesses, debilitating diseases but also to those who are blessed with their health as well.

God Bless you and no matter what happens on this journey, know that I will always keep you in my heart and in my prayers.