Kids, traveling and motherhood

Photo: Sharon Bouchard

Danielle Cronin

Photo:

Danielle at six months.

OXFORD – Being a single mother is never easy, but for Danielle Cronin it is always a joy no matter what. Having spent most of her own childhood moving around with a father in the military now having roots for her children is what is most important to her.

Q: Where were you born and where were you brought up?

A: I was born in Thousand Oaks, California, but I was brought up all over the place. My dad was in the military and we moved around a lot.

Q: Do you have any siblings?

A: I have three brothers; Timothy, William and James.

Q: What did your parents do?

A: My dad was in the military and I remember that my mother had a day care at one time. I know she did some other jobs, but I don’t remember what they were.

Q: What was it like growing up?

A: Interesting! It was basically good considering all the moving around we did. In some ways that makes you stronger because you have to adjust and cope with change.

Q: Where did you go to school?

A: I went to a lot of different school, again because of the military life. I even went to school on a military base at one time.

Q: Did you get into mischief or play pranks?

A: Not that I got caught at.

Q: What have you had for jobs?

A: I’ve been a CNA and did two years of training toward my RN, but didn’t finish. I’ve been a chef and done trash removal. I’m currently an office manager and publisher/editor for Just Read It, a monthly adult humor paper.

Q: Anyone ever said that you look like someone famous?

A: No.

Q: Do you do much traveling?

A: Certainly as a child. We went everywhere such as California, Hawaii and Connecticut. When we moved to Maine we drove across the country so I’ve seen a lot of different places.

Q: What place was the most fascinating and why?

A: Everywhere I’ve been has been fascinating. There are so many different life styles and cultures wherever you go. The strength of the community varies from place to place.

Q: Do you have children?

A: I have three, Anthony, 10; Nicholas, 5 and Ava, 6 months.

Q: Did anyone influence you to the point of changing your direction in life?

A: My son Anthony changed everything. I’ll just say that before he was born I wasn't traveling the best path in life and as soon as I held him in my arms I knew I had to change. Because of him I went back to school and completely changed my life.

Q: Do you collect anything or have a hobby?

A: I’m into a lot of different things, but no one particular hobby. I like anything that I can do outside.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: I read the Twilight Series.

Q: What subject do you wish you knew more about?

A: Fixing my car! I can do the small stuff, but I wish I knew how to do the more major repairs.

Q: What is the one thing you could not give up?

A: Actually it’s two things, but they go hand in hand. I could not and would not give up my self-respect or my integrity. I had to work very hard to get where I am.

Q: What would you like people to know about you?

A: That I’m a hard worker and I try to be a great mother. In everything I do I try to do the very best I can.

Q: What scares you the most?

A: That something would happen and I wouldn’t be able to see my kids grow up.

Q: Any hidden talents?

A: If I do they are well hidden because I’m not aware of them.

Q: Do you have any heroes?

A: My mother and Dundee Pratt. My mother because she is always there for me no matter what and Dundee because she has taught me so much and don’t a lot to help build my confidence.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Owning my own home. That is my 10-year plan.

Q: Last day on earth, what would you do and with whom?

A: Anything my kids wanted to do. Anything that would bring a smile to them will make me happy.

Q: If anyone could walk in right now, who would you want to see?

A: Grampy Cronin. I would love to see him again; he was the heart of the family.

Q: Any regrets?

A: I don’t think so even though I’ve made some mistakes. Everything I’ve done has helped to shape me and made me stronger.

Q: What is the best memory this interview has brought back?

A: Thinking about all the traveling we did. I think that’s something every kid should experience. It teaches you so much about people and places.