Trudy Tate-thompson:
CLASS OF 1980
Alburnett High SchoolClass of 1980
Alburnett, IA
Greenville CollegeClass of 1984
Greenville, IL
Winterset Elementary SchoolClass of 1980
Winterset, IA
Trudy's Story
I can't believe it's already 2009. Time has slipped by way too quickly but I am very happily married to my husband of 14 years, David. We have have five children, one grandson, and two dogs. Ourfamily is a yours, mine, and ours. Our oldest son JoSeth, is 24, he is the father of Braeden (our grandson). Our oldest daughter, Sarah, is 24 and attends college at Grand Valley University near Grand Rapids, MI. Our middle son, Benjamin, attends Monroe Community College in MI. Our middle daughter, Rebecca (Becca for short), attends Grand Valley University with Sarah. Our youngest son, Nathan is 12, and in 6th grade in Dundee MI. We have two indoor dogs, Pugsley (a pug/beagle mix) and Molly (a bishon Frise/King Charles Cavalier, mix). They are a joy.
After getting married to Jeff Tate, Dec 1983, I dropped out of college in 1984 shortly after getting pregnant with JoSeth. I returned home to Iowa and started my first family, which didn't go so well as I was a pretty messed up person. In 1989, I finally received a divorce. Following the divorce, and several many varying life changing lessons, my two sons and I settled in Michigan to start over (that was mid 1990) It was there that I met my first time "love" of my life. (Unfortunately, he was married at the time. That experience taught me way too many heart breaking lessons - of which I will pay for the rest of my life)
In 1995, we married our two families together and began a rollercoaster life. The only thing that has sustained us these years has been our faith in God and our love for Jesus Christ. My life has not been perfect, and I made many mistakes. It seems that without the Grace of God and his forgiveness, I never would have made it this far. It was through my husband that I learned about the true love of Jesus. My husband demonstrated love in many ways I did not know existed. From the walking me down the street (on the side of the traffic) to protect me - to bringing me home flowers to say I love you - to bringing me home a bag of gummie bears because he was thinking of me, I got to experience what it means to be loved unconditionally and never performance rated. I got to learn about the love of a father...Expand for more
and daughter (since I grew up without one), and eventually give the love of a mother to my sons, and now my grandson. I made many mistakes in relationships along the way, and lost many truly good friends. But I am blessed that God has brought me this far, and never gave up on me.
In 2000, I was gifted the opportunity to return to college thru my employer. They paid for the classes, I paid for the art supplies. I received my Bachelor's degree in Art with emphasis in educating special populations. I actually went back to Greenville College and walked with the class & Jars of Clay in 2001. It was an opportunity to enjoy some healing for completion of a dream. I enjoy doing charcoal portraits for family and friends. And, I am continually working on a project of abstract spiritual self portraits. Maybe I'll show them one day. I am learning to sew quilts, and enjoy crocheting afghans for all my family and friends. I taught both my daughter and sons to crochet so they may pass on the tradition.
I still love music, however since a tracheostomy in 1997, I do not sing as much. Only the occasional church choir. Giving up my singing was a hard pill to swallow, but to save my life - I am glad that God granted me life to see my kids grow up. Currenly I am a stay at home mom, living in a small community. I enjoy the neighbors coming over for a cup of sugar or an invitation for a cup of coffee. My youngest son suffers from ADHD, Dyslexia, CAPD (Central Auditory Processing Disorder), and Learning Disabilities. My college courses working with special populations has helped, and so I am working with Nathan to get him out of his Special Ed classes into all regular classrooms before he gets into high school.
Moving out of Iowa was a culture shock, but I wouldn't trade all the lessons I have learned for the world. I am happily not the same person I was then, and hope to continue to grow in God and share His Love, Grace, and Forgiveness with those who will listen. Life is difficult enough, without God and Jesus Christ as my Savior it would be impossible to survive.
God Bless. May God Hold You in His Arms of Strength and Love Forever and Ever.
Trudy Root Tate-Thompson (triple-t)
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