There have been many people in my life that nurtured and cared for me during my childhood and even as an adult today. The five that stuck out above all the rest are:
My grandmother Mary who was a very strong minded woman with great spirit. She was the glue to our family. My grandmother cared for me while my parents worked. she taught me to cook, clean, and care for my little brother. She said that" nothing was impossible if you have faith and believe. My grandmother has passed but the memories we shared will be forever.
My mother Minnie has been an inspiration in my life. I played an instrument in the band. I can remember my mom sitting in the benches with her work clothes on, cheering me on as I march on the football field.She show that she was a provider but also a caring mother. She taught me that life is not easy but you still can have balance.
My granddad Henry was a joy to be around. He took me fishing during the summer months and we always had great conversations. My granddad loved to sing gossip music. Listening to him always brought me great joy and comfort. I learned from him that you only have one life so live it.My granddad has passed away but memories of him will stay in my heart forever.
My cousin Theresa is like my best friend. I was unfortunate to have a sister so my cousin Theresa became like a sister to me during my childhood years.We went many places and shared many secrets together. Theresa and I could talk for hours about any and everything. Today even though she is still miles away we still kept in touch on the phone and visit each other twice a year.
My Elementary teacher Mrs. Swims was a wonderful and caring teacher. She had what I called" Tough Love". She pushed me to work hard in school and never give up.She believed that education was the key to success.
I like how an elementary teacher influenced you throughout your childhood, as well. Teachers have a tendency to push us beyond our limits and help us succeed. I hope you take her examples and place them into your career.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say how lucky you are to have both grandparents in your life. I hope your family continues to influence you in a positive light.
Tough love is one of the best ways be loved if there is only one person who is loving you this way. It is a unique blend of drive and compassion that only a very special person knows how to give. My mother is a tough love person and I didn't know how impressionable she us in my life until now.
ReplyDeleteFamily circles are so important and help us to feel wanted and deserving as children. Children do not have the concerns we have as adults, their only concern is that someone will be there for them. You seemed to have had many, many members available in your childhood web. That is a beautiful and blessed thing.
You have a very diverse web, like Mahaley. I too have a member of my web who is passed but still continues to influence me, like your grandmother and grandfather. Its amazing what we keep with us long after someone is gone.
ReplyDeleteDarcie
Angela I feel that you had some very good people that stuck by you 100%.It seems that a grandmother is always the backbone of the family. It is truly an honor to you and your mom for her to look after you and your sibling like that while your mother worked. Fishing is also a good thing to know cause I never had no one to teach me how.Your web is inspiring like Mahaley was and its indeed to have people who care for you the way they did.
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