From very early on, I’ve seen my life as a precious gift, and I’ve tried never to take that for granted. I was adopted at three days old by two very loving, caring, giving people who took a chance and in doing so, offered me a chance. As older wanna-be-parents (almost forty), their life was established and they fit ME into IT. They had waited so long and were SO EXCITED by the idea of this new little family of three! We hit the ground running, and they thought I could do no wrong — although they were quick to teach me the difference between right and wrong.
When you grow up with that type of unwavering support, you become somewhat fearless — about trying new things, dreaming dreams, seeking new experiences and exploring opportunities. My parents supported and encouraged my curiosity, creativity, exploration, experimentation, and love of learning — and taught me the importance of compassion, service, and empathy. They taught me to ask questions and listen more than talk (and those of you who know me will find that hard to believe!). They also showed me how to find and keep joy in my life, to never give up, to do the right thing, to appreciate and show love to those important to me, to care about others more than myself, to laugh loud and laugh often, and not take myself too seriously. It was a firm foundation for me to build the rest of my life on.
You’ll hear more about them, and why some folks know them as “Mam and Don”; some as Don and Virginia; some as Gim and Don; and some as Mr. and Mrs. Bohnke. It’s been over a decade since they’ve both been gone, and a day doesn’t go by that I don’t want to tell them something about what has happened. RIP Mom and Dad…I love you.