I am the third of nine children born to Cliff and Jeri Crimmins on April 14, 1956, to enthusiastic Irish Catholics. My parents already had my sister and brother so mom said I was the, “It doesn’t matter child,” which of course, I took as a challenge. She used to tease that she found me under a rock which may or may not have had something to do with my being a wee bit stubborn. Dad often worked two jobs while mom struggled to raise us, energized, and creative little hellions. Growing up in Iowa was an excellent place to experience the simple ways of life as I stumbled along learning about life and maturing.

Birth order generally plays into the personality of a child and being at the head of the pack, provided me with many opportunities for me to care for my younger siblings. It not only taught me about compassion and responsibility, but it also created a sense of feeling important because my parents trusted me with their care. My parent’s encouragement influenced and cultivated my ability to love, nurture, protect children, shaped my personality, and prepared me for parenthood.

Life was not always balanced growing up in a large family and there were advantages as well as disadvantages, but we had enough love to go around. My having eight siblings meant that I continually had a playmate or someone to fight with, depending on my mood. It facilitated my ability to think of others before myself and taught me about genuine unconditional love.

Within my family circle, I felt confident and safe, but outside of this comfort zone, I rarely felt safe and was often socially awkward. Much like being adrift in a boat without oars or a sense of direction. From a young age, I channeled those insecurities into writing poems and stories dreaming about becoming an author. When my dream of becoming a writer was shattered by someone else’s reality, I instead focused my energy on growing into adulthood. The years passed and I married my knight in shining armor rode and was blessed with two beautiful daughters and a grandson.

Life took me on one heck of a journey that I never anticipated and I shared my story in my memoir, Saving Rebecca: A Mother’s Journey and Triumph into the Unexpected World of ADHD and Disability. My life journey created opportunities that developed substantial strategies enabling a once shy, scared little girl into a fierce and determined mom.