Writing and storytelling have always been my passion. Time was passing quickly; I was now in the eighth decade of my life. I wanted to leave a legacy to my children and grandchildren. Who was the girl...the woman they did not know before I married their father? Who was the woman before I became "grandma"? Do my loved ones really know the "real" me? I began talking to other women and men about the idea behind my book and was surprised to discover how many people felt as I did. I would encourage everyone to begin journaling their lives. Leave your loved ones the gift of your life. You won't regret it. The time was now to leave my history for my family and for all those I love dearly. My journey simply states three little words for the future generations of my family. "I was here."