On June 18, 1949, Mom and Dad became parents of their fifth child–Me!  I always think of my family on this day.  I am most grateful to my parents, Mary Ann and Don Wood, for raising me with love. Even though we were poor farmers, we never lacked much.  Mom and Dad purchased a farm in Pewamo, Michigan in 1941.  The farmhouse below lacked electricity, running water (outhouse in back), and central heating.  Even though telephones became a house stable, we could not afford one until 1953.  Yet, the farm afforded daily adventures and excitement.

Six months later, the polio virus struck, causing paralysis in my right leg.  My siblings—sister Pat, Bill, Fred, Kathy, and later Mike—never let my “challenge” keep me from any of the family activities.  Mom even made me do dishes,, even though I recently had an operation and wore a cast.  Solution:  drag a chair to sink to kneel on it!  These loved ones helped me become who I am—the good and the bad!  So I thank them for my crazy sense of humor, laughter, love of adventure, making homemade goodies, enjoying many hobbies, traveling, and so much more.  

So Happy Birthday to me, but thank you to my family!

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