Personal Childhood Web

Normally most of us don't often think about the people who influence and nurture us as children. Growing up there were so many people who influence me in my life. Without them I don't think I would be the woman I am today.

Let me start off with my mother Claudia who was not only my mother but a powerful positive influence in my life. As a child, I remember my mother being this strong force who believed that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. My mother taught me to strive even when the going gets tough. Whenever I would get discourage my mother would always help me to see the positive in a negative situation. My mother is no longer alive but those lessons she taught me I still use to this day.

My father Danny is one of the most generous loving human beings I have ever met. My father would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Although my parents divorce when I was eight years old, my father maintained a close relationship with me. My father treated me like gold and whenever I spent time with him, he always made me feel special. The thing that stands out the most to me about my dad was I never had to tell him what I needed, he always knew exactly what I needed and he always delivered whether it was emotionally, mentally, financially, etc. My relationship with my dad taught me what stability is,what giving to other means, and loving others.

My grandmother Ruthie, was one of my favorite people growing up. My grandmother was the matriarch of my family and the community. Everyone knew my grandmother and whenever they had a problem or wanted help,my grandmother was there with her arms open. My grandmother was the person I went to when I felt I couldn't go to my parents. She gave me unconditional love and taught me right from wrong. I see my self becoming the matriarch of my own family, now I see how big a job that is.

I was the youngest child in my household which wasn't always easy. Lorraine is my big sister who took her role as a big sister seriously. I remember my sister baking cookies with me, and combing my hair,and taking me to the library. I can't remember a time when my sister did not get me a birthday gift. If no one gave me a gift, I knew I could count on getting a gift from her.

Last but not least my home economic teacher Mrs.Worrell was one of my favorite teachers I had in school. Mrs. Worrell was just cool. She was a teacher but to us students she was human. As a child it was amazing to have a teacher who listen to me and made me feel important and that I mattered. Mrs. Worrell worked beyond her work duties. I remember one time she took the class to a museum on a Saturday. She was the first teacher who taught me that we are all human and age should not be a barrier between children and adults.