Part 1: A Journey of Faith and Discovery

Growing up in a big family is something I cherish deeply, and it’s the memories of those days that I find myself missing the most. At the heart of it all were my grandparents—my real-life heroes. Family gatherings were a vibrant tapestry of laughter and connection, especially during holiday celebrations filled with cherished traditions. I can still picture the adults gathered around, engaged in spirited poker tournaments or playing euchre, while us cousins, close in age, shared our own adventures.

My maternal grandparents were devout Catholics who instilled a strong sense of faith in our family. I vividly remember my Grandpa PJ, who would say his prayers every day, meticulously written on his clipboard. He was never without his large St. Christopher medal, a symbol of his unwavering faith. As a child, I would accompany him to church, where we would light candles and pray for our family and friends. Though I didn’t fully grasp the significance of it all back then, he planted a seed of faith in my heart, rooted in his profound love for Jesus.

As the oldest of four siblings, I have come to appreciate the sacrifices my parents made for my passions, particularly in sports. Softball was my world, and I was fortunate enough to play on travel league teams, journeying across the Midwest to compete. During this pivotal time, I was surrounded by the youth greats of softball from all over the Siouxland area. It was also when my parents made the significant decision to send me to Catholic school in 8th grade, a move that would set me on the path to pursue my softball journey at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School.

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize how they have shaped my values and aspirations. The love of family, the importance of faith, and the pursuit of my passions are threads woven into the fabric of who I am today.

I grew up in a small town on a farm, the farthest west you could go—Westfield, IA. It was on that farm that I learned the true meaning of honest, hard work. Daily chores were a fundamental part of my life, whether it was scooping hog manure, bailing hay, tending to our massive garden, mowing the fields, or collecting fresh eggs from the hens. Each task instilled a sense of responsibility and pride in what it meant to contribute to the family.

Our free time was spent outdoors, where I created countless memories with my family. The unique aspect of my upbringing was that my grandparents on my dad’s side, along with my aunt and uncle and their children, all lived on the same road—Bluebird Ave. Together, we fished, coon hunted, searched for mushrooms, picked mulberries, and played along the creek. Those simple moments painted a rich tapestry of childhood that I hold dear.

I embraced life as a tomboy, and my parents were incredibly supportive during that phase. My competitive spirit was fierce; I often wouldn’t take no for an answer. I preferred to hang out with the boys, as they offered the challenge I craved—something the girls just didn’t provide.

However, my strong will didn’t go unnoticed. I often found myself questioning authority respectfully, refusing to accept things at face value. As a result, I accumulated more detentions than one could fit in a shoebox, along with a few in-school suspensions. One vivid memory stands out: my brother was bullied on the bus, and I decided enough was enough. I confronted the bully, warning him that if he ever laid a hand on my brother or anyone else again, it would be the last time. He laughed, bemused by the idea of a girl standing up to him, and refused to apologize, resorting to name-calling. That’s when I punched him square in the nose.

This fierce loyalty and protection for others was something I always carried within me. No matter the cost, I felt a deep-rooted obligation to stand up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Those experiences on the farm and the lessons learned along Bluebird Ave. shaped not only my character but also my understanding of the importance of hard work, resilience, and looking out for one another.
In the coming weeks, I will share more about the specific moments and revelations that propelled me toward this significant decision. Each story will reveal the complexity of my journey and the lessons learned along the way. For now, I invite you to join me as I embark on this exploration of faith, sacrifice, and self-discovery, and I look forward to sharing the next chapters of my life with you.