I arrived in Bastrop July 4th week, 2005. I arrived with $600, my computer, sewing machine and my clothes. That was the extent of my possessions. But what I did come with an abundance of, was me. I had plenty of me and plenty dreams that belong to me.

That first year was such a learning time for me. I was living with my housing benefactor and very unhappy. I was grateful for the living space but there was something going on there that I did not understand at the time. I was sharing my discomfort with a friend who pretended she understoood but was saying things behind my back that I should be grateful I had a mother. I was and am grateful for my mother, but at that time she as the source of some very uncomfortable times for me. My confidant as saying to others, "at least she has a mother." But I continued on, as difficult as it was at the time. I now understand what was going on, but I didn't at the time.

I signed up to substitute teach and sell Avon. I also put out flyers to take in ironing. These are the three things I did to help me pay my rent and try to put aside something to move into my own space. I had no car and took a taxi everywhere I went. That became very expensive. But I keep my strength.

I began to wonder if I'd made a mistake returning to Bastrop. I began to wonder if I knew what I was doing. Then my son-in-law came to visit and fell in love with the town. That was my confirmation that I'd done the right thing. I was just going through growing pains.

My daughter, son-in-law and their children moved here and into the house with me and my mother. This was a miracle because after I read what my friend wrote about the trials I was going through with my mother, I had started to think something was wrong with me. Then I saw my mother treat my daughter the same way and then I knew I was not crazy, I was seeing what I knew I was seeing.

My daughter and her family moved out but she said to me that there was no way she could leave and leave me in that situation. She rallied her sister and brother and got me the money to pay deposit and first month's rent. My mother helped out too. I was so grateful for that. (since I moved from her house, we have such a wonderful relationship.)

After 15 months, I was in my own place. What a time I had making that move. What a time? This takes me from July 2, 2005 until October 15, 2006

To be continued.....