Wilma "Cookie" O'Rourke Strong

This year, I turn 50! I don't know whether to be happy or sad, but I am grateful for the fifty years I been blessed to have. This past year has been one of deep reflection. At my "ripe old age" I am still discovering who I am and figuring out my purpose in life. What I do know is what I don't like and what I don't know is what I really love.

I believe I am getting close to finding my true self and I have finally learned to lift the burdens and say "no," more often. "Yes," it seems, has been my downfall and has even led to more stress than I am capable of handling.

I am a fiercely proud mother of two wonderful kids who make me smile through my anger and laugh through my tears. I am a grateful wife to a man who has demonstrated, over and over, his undying love and devotion to his family.

I seek to be a better person in all aspects of my life, and I realize that there is still a ways to go--I just hope there is no time limit on getting it right!