Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write something AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL (10/02/14)
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TITLE: There's No Place like Home | Previous Challenge Entry
By Chris Goglin
10/08/14 -
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My twin sister Linda and I were born six minutes apart on my Dad’s 32nd birthday…no ultra-sounds in 1949, so our dual arrival was a surprise to all! After recovering from the shock, Mom quickly learned how to care for two crying babies, although breast-feeding was a complete flop. I still remember her saying, “I felt like a worn out pin cushion, and quickly opted for bottle feeding.” During my childhood years, birthday parties were a priority, with Dad’s large cake in the center of our dining room table and two mini ones on each side. When it was time to open presents, the race began. Identical gifts prompted a flurry of torn paper to see who opened first! Like two peas in a pod, we wore identical clothes, had the same playmates and toys, and went everywhere together. However, the fraternal part of our relationship slowly took over, as we developed our own personalities and stature.
Peter Pan and Pogo Sticks
My creative side blossomed, as my sister and I would reenact the Disney story. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell would fly from couch to couch in our basement set and act out magical scenes for our audience. Mom and Dad encouraged our imagination, and even took us to a live performance where we had the grand opportunity to “swing” from the ropes used for flying. I enjoyed hopscotch, jumping rope, and my favorite, climbing on my pogo stick. It took me a full month to learn how to balance, but soon I was hopping all over the neighborhood. My elementary years were happy ones, but not without a spanking or two, my creative determination kept me from doing my chores, as I preferred to daydream instead.
The Beatles and Romance
The British quartet pounced onto the Ed Sullivan TV stage and ambushed my teenage heart. The Beatles captured my attention as no other group ever had. I lived and breathed Paul McCartney, until another special love touched my life in my junior year of high school. Richard was a handsome man five years older than I, and reminded me of Ricky Nelson. We married after graduation, and my sister and I finally parted ways as she went to college, and I established a new home.
Pleasingly Plump
The next ten years involved five miscarriages and five extraordinary births! To make a long story short, switching doctors and God’s power, was the cure for my problems, and established a strong family foundation. Keith, Kevin, Kathleen, Karrie and Kurt entered our lives and we were never the same again. My writing talents developed with every humorous growth spurt. Kids flocked to the Goglin home, as if the” golden arches” materialized on our roof; we always had “extras” over for dinner and discovered numerous sleeping bags strewn from room to room. I didn’t mind the extra work, my husband always helped out and we became like substitute parents to many of the kids. I miss those hectic, loving days.
Empty Nesters
Our children quickly grew up before our eyes, married, went to college, or set out on adventures of their own. We were suddenly alone again and now grateful for the nice break. We fulfilled long-awaited dreams as Rich signed on as a Forest Ranger, and I finished my associate degree. Determined to kick-start my writing endeavors, I became a published writer. Over the next few years, we managed a rock and mineral store, a consulting business, and even a small cleaning company until our weary bodies could not keep up with our entrepreneurial spirit.
Reminiscing and Retirement
Our marriage is still strong after 47 years, but we miss the good ole days of "McDonaldland." It is peaceful now, as we have relocated in a nice community along the Colorado River. We often look at each other and wonder what to do now… then we think of our children and grandchildren and that keeps us going. “Home” for us is our children and there is no place like it!
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I love your close...may you share...God willing...many more creative and special years together to add onto your journey of a blessed life.
God bless~
So, glad you finally had family. My husband and I were not so blessed and the later years get a little lonely.
Nice story and told well! Blessings, LaVonne