Kelley Manges, Neighbor

I'M JUST GRATEFUL!! Grateful that I feel twenty years younger than my numerical age, grateful for a life that's full of joy, grateful to have wonderful friends, grateful to have my own gifts; a few of which are to love immeasurably, to forgive immediately, and to not waste time disapproving of others but to invest in my own life instead. I am an open minded person who promotes diversity and advocates for disabled individuals. I am a mother, a student, a journalist, a talk show host, a marathoner, a biker, an amateur bird watcher and a lifetime volunteer.  My favorite books as a child were "Charlotte's Web" and "The Hundred Dresses." My favorite movie as a child was "Of Mice and Men." My favorite quote is by Marianne Williamson: In it she says, "there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine... We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." Tomorrow's endeavors are kayaking, modern dance, another Chicago marathon and the publication of my first book.