We've all heard stories of ancestors, who were grounded in faith and steeped in tradition. To most of us, these were nothing more than stories. This however, is the age of technology and the 'now generations' are without limits. If you can dream it, you can do it! We routinely travel the globe in jets. We email and text without hesitation and expect nanosecond response times. We are contemporary and cosmopolitan - unbound and unencumbered by antiquated traditions. But, have we really escaped? Are we that far removed from ancestral spirits? Are there any gaps in our lives that must be bridged before we successfully cross over into the next chapters from the book of life? This is one story in response to these questions. The spirits of my tribal ancestors combine with my present-day family to powerfully guide me to success as an aspiring American woman. Unbelievable joy, despair, educational and personal opportunities are literally right at my fingertips. Share my journey while once again, I continue 'Bridging the Gaps.'
About the Author: Charlene was born in 1951 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Charles and Doris Mebane. While growing up in Trumbull, Connecticut, she was known to be quiet and academic. She was also described as 'creative.' She was always building something, or sewing something or somehow engaging her mind. After graduating from Trumbull High School, Charlene attended New York University during the 1970's where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics. Throughout her college years, she continued her hobby of writing as a means of literary therapy. Her writing included term papers, essays and poetry. She never considered publishing any of her work. Somewhere between graduating from college and joining the workforce, Charlene made time to have three children: Lorraine, Bo and Randy. Unable to attract and maintain a lasting relationship, she ended up raising her children primarily as a single mom. Her children became the focal point of her life. Graduation from college led her to dual careers in Education and Information Technology. She taught mathematics and computers at public and private high schools in Connecticut. Working as an educator allowed her time to devote to the care of her children. As her children reached school age, Charlene turned to the private sector to become a computer programmer. Hartford, Connecticut, the insurance capital of the world, offered her over a decade of service in the financial services industry. During the 1990's Charlene moved with her family to Atlanta, Georgia where she now resides. She continued her education at Keller Graduate School and Brenau University. Her career has blossomed into the Business Analysis field. She continues to be fully employed for a host of companies, many of which are Fortune 500. Charlene currently resides in metro-Atlanta with her trusty Chinese Shar-Pei mix pups. Most of her free time is spent in the North Georgia Mountains where she enjoys a peaceful and quiet life at her family home in Murrayville, Georgia.