Deborah Hicks:  

Here's the big story of what happened after high school. My parents came the night of graduation and informed me that they were getting divorced...great start huh? Anyway, life has a way of throwing you a curve ball or two, but as I've learn, you can bend really far, but you don't have to break. I went to Mobile College (University Of Mobile) '79-'82, and was majoring in Psychology/Sociology, but that's not where God wanted me. He had other plans for me. However, I met and discovered that I did not have a personal relationship, although I thought I did, with the Lord. On August 31, 1979 I gave my heart to Him and have never been the same! :) I met the love of my life in my dorm livingroom/waiting area.(it was love at first sight) His name is Dean Hicks, and through a 2 1/2 year courtship, we married on April 16, 1983.He's a country boy from Grove Hill AL, and it took me some getting used to some of his country ways (long, but funny story). I've learned to love the country through the years. Not long after we maried we were given one of the greatest gifts we would ever have in life; our daughter Kasey Danielle, who is 25 and a newlywed herself. She was and is the best daughter in the world. I worked at various jobs, and attended Cottage Hill Baptist Church where I became very involved in the music program, drama program, and young marrieds as well as the Children's Ministry. Four-and-a-half years later came Katelyn Deann (July 6, 1988). She's every bit like me...that's scary isn't it?! If I were to describe her it would be this; she puts the colors in the flowers of life to me...she's unique and different, and is very loving and sensitive. Dean, who is the head R.N. at the V.A. Hospital got called up for Reserve duty during Desert Storm and we didn't see him for over 6 months. This was a very traumatizing time in our little family's life. I can truly sypathize with single moms everywhere...what a hard job! Throughout this time, I remained a full time mom. God brough Dean safely home to us and life resumed normalcy. So the years ticked away, and our children have grown up, and we have been married for 26 years! We had our Silver Anniversary last year! I only thought old people had those! haha! I finally found my niche in life, (until the grandbabies come along). I did a friend a favor and worked with her at Beads and Beyond for a while. She taught me everything I know now and I opened my own little business at home that does quite well. I make jewelry and blow glass beads! Who knew that was inside of me! I've made jewelry for every occasion a woman can have, and this past year, I discovered a new love last year...altered art. I also opened a business for that too. It's called Inking Of You. I make objects of art out of used/antique and otherwise unwanted things and turn them into frames, boxes, cards, albums, pictures, etc...You name it and I've probably made it. I now have an affinity for old past objects. It's been a great blessing to be able to do what you love and make money from it! ...Expand for more