*Stands up...taps mic...*

"This thing on...?"

All righty, then...I was born at a haunted location, so I guess that's sort of appropriate.  My father was in the Air Force, and I was born on August 23rd, 19*mumbles* at Letterman Army Hospital at The Presidio in San Francisco.  Letterman Army Hospital was torn down by George Lucas a few years ago so he could build his Industrial Light and Magic corporation on the same spot. 
My father entered into the Air Force at age 17 (he lied about his age), and made a career out of it, retiring at age 35 as a Staff Sergeant.  I spent the early part of my life growing up on military bases.  My mom has photos of me inside of tanks, submarines and jet fighters as a very little girl, lol.

My mother was born and raised in Nicaragua, in Central America.  Spanish is her primary language, although when she came to the US as a young lady, she learned to speak english.  She and her sister and three brothers all came in their 20's, went through the proper channels and all became citizens.

Mom and Dad met at a military dance at Fort Mason, under the Golden Gate Bridge...how romantic is that?  It's kind of funny, too, though, because she and her sister didn't have dates for this dance, they just got all dressed up and went and hung around the entrance to Fort Mason, hoping some soldiers would escort them inside so they could have a fun evening of dancing.  Well, for mom and dad, it ended up with them falling in love and getting married.  I am the first of two children, and have a younger brother named Paul.  My mom named me after Jackie Kennedy, and my first name is spelled Jacqueline, just like hers. 
On dad's side, I'm English, Irish, Scots, Welsh and Cherokee.  On mom's side, I'm Nicaraguan and Lebanese. 

We traveled alot in those early years...moving from base to base.  I have lived in California, Alaska, Montana (my brother was born there), Nicaragua, Idaho and Texas...all before I was a teenager.  I do speak spanish as my second language. 

As a kid, art came naturally to me...artistic talent runs on both sides of my family.  I drew ALOT and also wrote alot of poetry.  I still do both, and have expanded my arts and crafts interest over the years to many other mediums.  I write, draw, paint, tie dye, make candles, sculpt and generally make fun messes, all in the name of creativity.  I was also a fearless and adventurous child, very much a tomboy, and by age 7 wanted to be an archaeologist.  By 12, a marine biologist.  By 13, a paramedic (thanks, Johnny and Roy!).  My paramedic dream stayed with me all my life, and at age 23, I reached that goal, along with the goal of becoming a firefighter as well.  I am proud to say that I'm certified by the state of California as a firefighter, graduated from Stanford University as a paramedic, and along the way became a specialist in Search and Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Wildland Fires and Oil & Gas Fires.  Yep, I'm one of those crazies who enjoys running into burning buildings while everyone else is running out...
My greatest satisfaction came from being able to help people as a medic, though.  There is nothing more satisfying than delivering a baby, or pulling someone through some horrible trauma in their life.  I have delivered babies, performed CPR, started IV's, saved a few lives, driven both ambulances and fire trucks, and done everything you see on those Cops and Medical shows on tv.  My motto has always been, "It's nice to know I can help folks when they need me, but it's better to know I'm not needed".  :)

I married and had my son, Richard.  Richard was diagnosed with cancer at age 3 1/2, and the docs gave him a very grave prognosis.  He was given 4-6 months to live, and we were told to "prepare yourselves for a funeral".  During his chemotherapy treatments, I had a visit from an angel, who told me that God had sent her to me to tell me that He would heal my son.  After 11 grueling months, during which time Richard endured chemotherapy, a 4 1/2 hour surgery, radiation therapy, and a bone marrow transplant (stem cell research saved my son's life!), my son miraculously beat the odds.  He lost half his hearing in both ears due to the high levels of chemotherapy that saved his life, and was diagnosed with autism...but he has been cancer-free and in remission for 10 years now.  I count my blessings every day that I still have my baby.  He is a wonderful, loving, smart young man of 14 who wants to be a marine biologist.  :)

I'm now divorced, a single mom, and moving my life on in new and positive directions...always exploring, always discovering, always learning...
It's been a great pleasure to be a part of the IAH community, and I very much cherish the friendships that I've made here and continue to make.  Many hugs and love to you all...may your lives be filled with blessings!  :)

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