Dreams Come True

There are some stories in my life and the lives of those around me that are profound and worth sharing. It is the ordinary becoming extraordinary and it often involves Fate, Faith and in my life, Dreams, not just mine, but the Vision and hopes of others. We lost my husband’s Dad, Bumpa to our children and as I refer to him, the love of our lives. It is a mix of sadness and celebration, and we are in awe of the man he was, so humble, so kind, so giving, so smart, so accomplished and always there for everyone. Simply put, he was one of the best, I was so blessed with not only amazing parents, but also amazing in-laws, and in this post, I will share a full-circle story.

Bumpa had many accomplishments, but he was the last to speak about them or himself. This Midwestern boy (and couple) came to Boston in the late 50’s to pursue his Master’s Degree at MIT—he did not complete that degree, but he and his wife fell in love with Boston and made it their home for the rest of their lives. It began in a Brownstone on Comm Ave in Boston until they stumbled upon their home in Beverly, MA which is where they would raise their family, welcome their grandchildren and become part of the community in both big and small ways. Peg & Bob enjoyed the arts including the theatre, the symphony and all of the museums in Boston—they created a great life, and experienced it all, and provided so much for their two children. In 1999, it was their turn to be the grandparents, and to fully enjoy the magic and wonder of grandparenting—they would soon have babies, toddlers and school age children bringing joy to their lives and their home (and they indulged in this role with their 5 beloved grandchildren). We were all so blessed to be so close to “the Bumpa’s” and the friendships, relationships and bonds grew even stronger. I saw their love first hand, I experienced it personally, I saw it in my children and in my husband, I can’t speak more positive about who they are and how they were, they truly led their lives with love.

Bob and Peg consider themselves coming from humble beginnings, education was extremely important, and culture, experiences and living on the East Coast aligned with their dreams of creating more opportunities for themselves and their family. While they pursued their dreams and lived a great life, they were sure to always be of service, and felt strongly about equal opportunity for children, especially those less fortunate. In the early 70’s, Peg and Bob were part of the Founders of what is known today as Beverly Children’s Learning Center (BCLC), a program that they and a few church friends started almost 50 years ago, to provide educational opportunities (pre-school education at the time) for financially underprivileged children in their community. What began in a church basement from the vision and heart of it’s generous founders has become a state of the art learning center that has served hundreds of children over the years. It is a remarkable legacy, one in which we will continue to support and participate in.

The story is interesting enough, but for me personally, it means even more—they mean even more to me (my Bumpa’s whom I love and adore). In the early 70’s when they created this program on the North Shore, little did they know that on the South Shore their future daughter in law would be one of those children that would benefit from a federally funded program. When I was 2 years old, (with 5 kids under the age of 8) my Dad suffered a Massive Heart Attack, he was only 28 years old. He was not expected to survive, but miraculously, he pulled through. His health condition was so serious that he could no longer work and his loss of pay was devastating to our family financially.

As a working class family, we went from paycheck to paycheck to no paycheck, and were classified (and truly) low income. I was put in a program called “Head Start” which was pre K, and I thought it was just school (and my Mom worked there), but later years when I got my degree in Elementary Education I learned about this program “Head Start”, and how it was to support low income and financially challenged families. You see, I was one of those kids. I was a young child that had been impacted with financial insecurity, and while they created a program, I was a kid at that very same time benefiting from a similar program. I had the blessing of great parents, a loving home and my parents always turned our situation around, we made the very best of what little we had, and love costs nothing, so love became the center of family and how we were raised.

The little girl that attended Head Start and wore hammy downs from sisters and cousins, would always have hope, always have dreams and while their home was small, her Mom always made it cozy and a place people felt comfort and at home. That little girl would deal with financially insecurity her entire life, and education was her way out, so she did all she could to put herself through college. That one decision (college), that was scary and seemed impossible changed the trajectory of her life. Her circles would open up and grow, and in that process she would meet her husband (Charlie) and they would begin a life together. The irony of the pre-school and being a student in a funded program at the same time 2 hours away, is the beauty of this story. My in-laws appreciated my hard work and independence but also wanted for me to just be a kid (when you are financially independent you grow up quickly and you either lead the charge or you fall victim to the circumstance. and as I grew my Vision, I wanted more opportunity for myself and my family (the one I would have some day). Charlie and I truly have the best of both worlds in the families we came from, while our experiences were different, the core values were very much aligned. We both bring our family culture with us in building our own, the main components are family, faith, love, gratitude, humor, authenticity and even more opportunities, traditions and our own stamp of Guyer 5. Looking back at what they have done for me (love, support, friendship, encouragement), they were I gift to me and seeing them with their grandkids, I know now and as they shared, I was a gift to them. I get chills just thinking about it.

Seeing the BCLC grow and the legacy that they started, makes me so proud to be part of this family, and also knowing my own journey of pursuing more, creating opportunity, working hard and not blaming anyone or anything became my roadmap and how I drastically changed my life, yet did not change the values I grew up with.

To be a guest at the school or to be part of any celebration is so meaningful, as we are so proud of our Bumpa’s legacy. I also feel a deep appreciation that I can inspire others to go after their dreams, to create more in their life and to take 100% responsibility in making that happen. As Bumpa would say, you can’t control the cards you were dealt (when he would refer to these kids that were part of funded programs), but what I know and have experienced and revisit all the time is that we can control how we respond. How we rise. How life challenges are either going to take us down or we see it as an invitation to believe in more, believe in better and be the change we want to see.

Even thou I was considered “Poor” based on the numbers growing up, my Dad always reminded us how Rich we were, it is all in how you think, act and live. I hope this story inspires you to do better, be it being of service to others or perhaps grace for yourself and letting go of what you can’t control, but inviting positive change with what you can.

Believe in your dreams, believe in what is possible, follow your heart and always know, you are enough, just the way you are!

Little Girls with Big Dreams become Women who will Change the World. This little girl wanted to make her life even better, and she did just that. Now she wants to make the world better, and she is working on herself because when she does, she will in fact, change the world! XO