Vickie
“To know that the only way to get rainbows, you have to have rain. And, when there is rain, it’s fun sometimes to dance in it; a good day or a bad day, the choice is always yours!!”
Vickie is warm, welcoming, and optimistic. She perceives challenges as opportunities rather than problems, constantly taking a positive approach to difficult circumstances. Her mindset has helped her find silver-linings in even the darkest of times, allowing her to embrace the growth that comes from hardship. Meet Vickie. This is her story
K: Please introduce yourself!
V: My name is Vickie Heath-Glosson.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
V: I feel I am a very fun-loving, positive, energetic, mature woman. I consider myself a trailblazer, a well versed and traveled individual. I simply love most things, why not? Life is too short not to try various things or opportunities that I’m sure you can find something positive from. I’m creative and determined. I’m the mother of three amazing adult children, two beautiful granddaughters and a special soulmate to a fun loving life partner.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
V: Probably my favorite thing about myself is my energy, love for family, for nature, my versatility and me being my authentic self.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
V: At my age I’ve had many experiences that helped define me and have made me a stronger person. First of all, I’ve been raised by my parents in a household with ten other siblings, that was a challenge within itself. I am number seven of eleven. Fortunately, my parents were great role models for me. My parents instilled in me that I was able and capable in reaching any goal I set my mind to, to just believe, do your best and, if you happen to fail, it was only a learning experience, but if it was something you really wanted, don’t give up. I was taught your life is what you make it, and having a positive mindset is the key.
I’ve gone through a divorce that set me back temporarily. It happened while my children were teenagers, so I was terrified and wasn’t sure how I was going to make it since I was caught off guard. My thoughts and life were shattered; not only did my ex drop out of my life, but our children’s as well. I tried everything to try and help make their lives as normal as possible. I was more frightened for my children's mental health, so I continued to push the limits, being the sole bread winner. I pushed myself for them, and neglected myself. It got to point when everything began to fall apart. I lost our home, cars and almost my sanity.
To make things worse, a few years later I was diagnosed with Endometrial cancer; fortunately, it was caught at an early stage, thanks to a very proactive doctor. I also had no need for radiation or chemotherapy after surgery; I’m now nine years post surgery.
These lessons and experiences taught me to be strong, resilient and a true believer in mindfulness; always be positive, even through stressful and dark times. To know that the only way to get rainbows, you have to have rain. And, when there is rain, it’s fun sometimes to dance in it; a good day or a bad day, the choice is always yours!!
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
V: The piece of advice I’d give to my younger self is to “just do it.”
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
V: Being a woman to me is being many things, being a positive influencer to your family and friends, being respectful, loving what you do, and don’t limit yourself. Live, love and laugh often, be proud and caring and because women are usually caregivers to those they love, the time must come when sometimes women put themselves first.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
V: My Mom, Queen Elizabeth Heath has always been the woman that has inspired me. I love how she handled our household, she truly held down the fort when my Dad was at work. She always seemed bigger than life to me and I grew up wondering, “how?” How was she able to do so much. I was able to see and feel the love she shared with my Dad till the end. How she cared for us and gave us so much of her time.
My Mom was so creative and always seem to have that special time for me when I wanted to share my day with her. I love the way she loved me and cared for me without complaining. To me she was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, from her outward appearance to her heart of gold. She was ahead of her time in many ways, especially with fashion and beauty. A true matriarch of our family! My Mom was truly the wind beneath my wings and if she was here now I’d tell her how incredible she has been to me and Thank You!!
