GRATITUDE (3): Penne Fuertges, my Mom
When it comes to parents, I won the lottery. People ask me all the time, how do you do all the things you do? 
The answer is easy, my parents excelled in everything they did. Between the two of them, their interests, talents, and hobbies were many and diverse. And I learned from them. Period.
Penne Fuertges , (pronounced furgis), was an exceptional lady. She studied ballet from an early age and became a ballerina in several performing companies in Denver and Chicago. She was a gifted artist and painted oil paintings her whole life. She went back to school to get here undergrad and then Masters degree in business after having me, and helping my Dad through his doctorate.
Later she taught in the business school she attended. And then went on to get her CFP and became a licensed insurance broker. Her career led her to working for Aetna and managing insurance for state, county, and city employees in all of western Kansas. She loved helping people- and really cared for all of her clients. Their concerns were here concerns. In 1983 she and my Dad were on the cover of Money Magazine, featuring women with second careers.
During this time, she also taught ballet, and painted. She always did too many things. And I inherited that for sure! She also had an infectious laugh, took millions of photos, and was the light of our family. The oldest of 7 children, she kept everyone in touch and remembered everyones birthday.
My Mother gave me my artistic talent, my love of dance, my positive outlook, my work ethic, and so much joy. She loved to visit me in the Palm Springs area and we had so much fun together!
My Mom passed away suddenly from an aneurysm when she was only 58, a year younger than I am right now. I am so proud to be her daughter, and I'm extremely grateful that she was my Mom. ❤️
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