Lifetimes

My twelve year-old daughter said to me the other day that I had lived a full lifetime in my forty-three years. "In fact," she said, "if you meshed all that you have done and experienced up to this point into a lifetime of 80 years, you could still call it a full lifetime!" I chuckled knowing what she said was true. Not only am I a mom of five children, currently spanning the ages of almost seventeen years to eleven weeks, I am also a the sole or co-owner and CEO of three companies, one of which is a global enterprise. And did I mention that I am a widow who remarried again only to now be divorcing (after less than a year in this legally bound relationship) for reasons that would leave you speechless? I'm thinking, just maybe, I've already lived enough for two lifetimes. Can someone please tell me when they will be presenting me with my medal?

My name is Laura J. Wellington. My husband and best friend died after twelve years of marriage, a victim of two very rare forms of cancer. He was an extremely courageous, intelligent, kind, gentle, and loving man who left our four wonderful children in my care. He fought a remarkable fight for three straight years before succumbing. My oldest child, a son, helped carry his coffin at the funeral of his own accord. He was nine years old. My youngest was three. Each one has lived up to their father's legacy since his passing in equally as amazing ways. There is no doubt these apples don't fall far from the tree.

When Dean passed away,my heart was absolutely broken. Picking myself up was the toughest thing I ever had to do but I had four children to raise and an entire future in front of me. Being an extremely dedicated parent and a highly sensible person overall, I couldn't reason throwing all our lives in the grave after Dean as easy as that could have been. To have Dean die in vain, I felt, would have been such a selfish choice to make, especially as he had been completely selfless throughout our life together as well as in his death. Thus, I took a lesson from him and then built upon it in ways that leave most people speechless. Simply put, I'm now a Wumbler, actually the chief Wumbler leading millions of little Wumblers, all learning the importance of making the world a better place to live. Yes, amongst the grueling hours I spent turning around the, fledgling companies Dean left behind so that the kids and I wouldn't starve to death and raising my kids, I jumped full throttle into an entirely new industry for me (television) and launched a new company, The Giddy Gander Company, on a wing, a prayer, and a whole lotta outside investment.

Three years, numerous awards, and a transformation in life notably book-worthy, the place I am today stands light years from where I once had been. I became at the center of a global children's entertainment series and brand (The Wumblers) that would influence the hearts and minds of kids and families in ways that would rival the positive effects left on my own. I've received amazing support from incredible people, companies, associations, and broadcasters whose understanding and commitment to bettering the lives of kids and families compelled them to join me in my own. Making the world a better place through social and global messages coupled with lessons in nutrition brought fun and learning to kids in ways that parents had been clamoring but left unheard. It was only because I, a mom, had also been feeling that very same way, did I know what to do and how to do it. No doubt, I took a chance and let passion and genuinely guide me, but doing so was one of the best choices I ever made. The satisfaction I feel in helping others everyday is remarkable. And knowing that I honored my late husband's memory in a manner I can be proud of while standing as a role model to our children and countless others is an achievement that fills me with pride and delights me.

Now as a mother to my fifth child, I look towards every next step my family and I take with gratitude, wisdom, and excitement beyond what every day words can share. So just as my dear Emma had pointed out to me in her perception of my life up to age 43, I've shoved many lifetimes into this present one...all very incredible, necessary, and appreciated.


Laura J. Wellington is a mom a well as the CEO of several companies, including The Giddy Gander Company, owners of The Wumblers children's entertainment series and brand. See www.wumblers.com for further information about her life and work.