I do have a story and so do you.

I always thought I didn't have much of a story. I grew up in a middle-class white household. Nothing special or different about me or my life, or so I thought.

I didn't have a major illness or suffer some catastrophe. My parents worked 2-4 jobs and I had 3 siblings. We were a normal middle-class family I believe.

I received a normal metro area education. I was able to go to community college, a four-year college and a post graduate university. I worked my way through college and took out student loans for the extra years. This was supposed to set me up for success, I thought.

I married at the age of 17 and again at the age of 20. Nothing abnormal nor extravagant. I didn’t have a high school sweetheart or experience love at first sight. I didn’t feel my story was special in any way.

However, my perspective on life is unique and it is a story. I have things I have learned. I have things I have experienced. While others were there with me in the moments, no one else on earth has my compilation of events.

We have a story!

Regardless of the path we've been on, and it is worthy of sharing.

I learned to roller skate on my own. I learned how to have a healthy relationship. I have a Master’s Degree. I have two thriving adult children. I lived overseas. I have had a few broken bones. How'd I get here? That's part of my story.

After a failed marriage, I met Robert. We dated for two years and then were married in his father’s garage. We moved to Florida, we moved back to Colorado. Robert went back to college. We had a daughter. I worked various office jobs. We moved overseas. I went back to colleges. We had a son. We visited family and friends and made new friends. We moved back to Colorado. We found jobs. We bought our first home. Our children adjusted to new schools and new friends. I found a new job. We continue to find our way in this world. We have grown from each decision and step we have taken.

Even though Robert has been with me for the last 31 years, his experiences do not match mine. His perceptions and thoughts about each situation may be different.

I am a white middle class wife, but I have value. My stories are unique and I can share emotion and experience differently.

Every event I've experienced, whether a moment in a day, or a choice to go to college online, has taught me lessons and helped me become the person I am today. I am the compilation of my experiences, just as you are.

What have you done? Where have you been? What's your story?

by Noelle Peterson