I am a mother of three grown children, David 44, Linda 42, and Michele, 40. I also have five wonderful grandchildren, Brent, 16, Alexis 13, Chantele, 12, Genna, 11, and Jordan, 11. Due to the permanent disability of my daughter Linda, I have been raising Jordan since he was an infant, and he is now 11 years old.

I started out as a service representative for Bell telephone during my early years of employment, and later on went to school to get my Real Estate license in the state of New Jersey. I later moved to Pennsylvania, where I again, went to school and got my license there, as well. I achieved the rank of "million dollar salesman" early in my Real Estate career.

I sold Real Estate for 18 years, and when my children were all grown, I fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, at 50 years of age.  I worked in geriatric nursing for several years, and unfortunately, had to retire due to increasing problems with my lungs. I have asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, and have to use oxygen on exertion, (walking long distances, but not in my home) and it has caused me to make many adjustments to my previously active life.

Thankfully, the things I love to do most, such as writing poetry and fiction, crocheting, and knitting and many other crafts, reading and cooking have not been touched by my illness, so the few things that I can't do anymore seem very inconsequential.

My husband of 20 years, left me during the onset of my last illness, but thankfully we have a pleasant relationship (does it work any other way?) Some people just can't cope with hard times. I have been blessed with Jordan. He is such a special person, and I have been fortunate for the many "angels" who help me get through it all.

Right now I am writing my first novel, a Thriller, and hoping that some publisher out there will like it....the people who have read my first 16 chapters do, and maybe I will be fortunate. I have written poetry steadily for these last 5 years, and have been published many times, and have a large poetry web page. My daughter, Michele, told me that I needed to write this book....I hope she is right!

I admire all the time you girls spend on Serenity, and all your lovely graphics. I know a lot of html, but I am just now learning to do triple backrounds, so perhaps my web page will reflect this in the future. I love associating with you all, and wish I had more time to spend with you ..... All my time is spent on Jordan and his friends...but he is coming to an age where he will want "Less" of grandma and more of his peers, so I will perhaps have more time this year.

My best to you all,
Judy Labriola