The Grapevine: Some Self History on 82nd Birthday
By Rosalyn Queen on October 07, 2021 from The Grapevine
Looking at the calendar this morning advises me that the month of October is here. I feel like it was only last week that we welcomed the month of September, but I guess time waits for no man. I know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I strongly advocate getting your mammogram this month. I am an example of a life saved by a mammogram.
Like a child, I welcome October with a happy smile because it is my birthday month. I was born Oct. 6 (Wednesday) in East View to Bill and Florence Roberto Burnett. I was born in a little white house on Hanover Street. I was delivered by Dr. C.O. Post. I spent the rest of my life until I was 60 residing in East View. I hope to return there in the very near future; that creek must run through my veins.
I try to remember my birthdays, but with 82 they seem to run together. Those birthdays in junior high and high school were always celebrated with a party in the basement of my home with friends. After getting married, most birthdays were observed with family.
There were several years we took our annual trip to Rehoboth Beach and came home with a car full of mums. Then there was the 50th surprise party planned by my family, and I will admit it was a surprise. If I were to tell the truth, I really like birthday parties. Not because of the cake, ice cream or gifts but because of my friends and family gathering together.
If truth be known, my 80th party was the most memorable. After having gone through cancer, treatment, divorce, and moving, I had to prove to myself that I was still in one piece and welcoming each day with excitement. I wanted to thank all those who were so instrumental in getting me through this tough period of my life. Our family motto is “Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do.”
If I allow myself to reminisce, I realize that in these 82 years I have done things that some people only dream about. First, I have given birth to two sets of twins and to top that off I have twin grandchildren. I have visited an Indian reservation and eaten buffalo. I have met five presidents and I have my picture with the Pope. I have travelled to almost every state in the Union and I received a presidential appointment to serve as chairman of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. I have visited Italy several times and found the birthplace of my father. I have served on committees too numerous to mention but hope that my efforts helped our community. I have been the wife, mother and grandmother of an elected official.
I have written a cookbook that sold about 10,000 copies and is a collection of Italian recipes and customs. Proceeds from the sale was donated to scholarships.
If my memory serves me right, I could go on and on, but now it is time for me to concentrate on what the next year will bring. I dedicate it to Faith, Family and Friends. Faith that I WILL BE GRANTED STRENGTH AND PATIENCE, FAMILY THAT I WILL ALWAYS BE SURROUNDED BY MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME.
If my memory serves me right, I could go on and on, but now it is time for me to concentrate on what the next year will bring. I dedicate it to Faith, Family and Friends. Faith that I WILL BE GRANTED STRENGTH AND PATIENCE, FAMILY THAT I WILL ALWAYS BE SURROUNDED BY MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME.
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