The birth of Carol Arpin Miller

My grandma was born February 5, 1951. She was the only one of seven children to be born in a hospital. Her dad said he sold a cow to pay the bill.

It was lonesome at times. Her closest kid her age had polio and couldn't run, rude bikes, etc. She learned to play make-believe (pioneer) and was outside as much as possible.

What was growing up like?

How did the Beatles affect you?

When she saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show that's when she truly entered her teen years. She idolized them and read everything about them that she could get her hands on.

What were times like when JFK was assassinated?

The only thing she remembers was the sadness she felt for his wife and children. She doesn't remember feeling fear, just incredible sadness and shock.

The Vietnam war

My grandma didn't pay attention until friends her age enlisted or were drafted. Didn't watch news or read newspapers until mid 70's or so.

What was your most embarrassing moment of high school?

Two friends and her walked to the park during lunch hour and sat in swings that were freshly painted with red paint. They had to walk back to school and talk the principle into letting us go home to change. We got teased a fair amount about that.

What was your proudest moment of high school?

She received an award in home economics she didn't expect. Even got a trophy!

What invention affected you the most?

The computer affected her the most because of all the things it could do.

The discovery of AIDS

AIDS scared her. At first they didn't know how it was transferred. Like could you get it from toilets, towels, etc. It was a death sentence for those who got it. It was terrifying.

What is your biggest regret?

Her biggest regret was taking a job after nursing school at the doctors clinic instead of the hospital. She would have learned so much more at the hospital.

What were your hobbies as a teenager?

Hobbies included listening to music constantly, reading and being with friends riding around town.

What was your first car?

1960 pink rambler. It was a stick shift and no radio. She got it when she started nursing school. She walked everywhere during the summer when she lived on her own.

What did you want to grow up and be as a kid?

She wanted to be a nurse when she was a kid.

How would you describe yourself as a teenager?

Insecure, lonely at times especially in the summer. She liked school and really liked attending sporting events and cheering on the team.

Where were you at during 9/11?

She was at work. Someone called her and she went in line to get live news coverage. That was a scary time. She thought the US was being invaded.

What was your first job?

She was a nurses aide. Two weeks training right after HS and worked till she finished nursing school.

What is the most tragic thing that's happened to you?

She has been incredibly blessed and really couldn't think of anything. Losing her parents was hard but it was not unexpected and was a blessing for them.

How have you changed throughout your life?

She has grow hair now. She's become braver about traveling alone and even more determined to advocate for kids to be safe and loved.

What is your advice to teenagers these days?

Pay attention to politics. Ask questions and listen to different point of views. Don't be afraid to fail because everything in life is a learning experience and part of your personal journey

How did you react to Elvis being found dead?

She was sad but felt his drug usage had already ruined him.

What was the craziest thing you did in high school with your friends?

The craziest thing was they passed out laxative chewing gum like it was regular gum to the cast of the senior play and to the principle.

Why did you choose your career?

It just so happened, the local judge, another friend, was wanting to start a program here. She offered to help and one thing led to another. She in the right place at the right time. She was hired to get the program up and running 22 years ago.

What are some interesting facts about yourself?

what is life like today?

My grandma is currently working for CASA and has a loving family and loves her life very much.