Childhood Web

Throughout my life, I have encountered many people.  Each person has given me a lesson, even if it was just a small one.

I will reserve this spot to discuss five of those people who really touched my life, and through their guidance, support and nurturing I became who I am today. 

Donna - Mother

This picture is from my college graduation.  My mother, sister, myself and brother.

I have lived with my mom for my entire life, minus the four years where I went away for college.  I was the baby of the family.  My mother offered her support in the fact that she allowed me to grow.  She let me make my own decisions and was not judgemental.  We were not compared to each other as children, but treated individually.  She understood we each were very different from each other.  Even today, she was a big influence on my decision to return to school.  It was something I was debating, and finally she said "Do it now or never, might as well do it now while you are thinking about it."

Father - James

This is the last picture I have with my father.  It was taken at my college graduation in May 2007.  He passed away in July 2007.  While he may be gone, his support for me lives on.  I did not live with him growing up, but he played a vital role in my development.  He was a true believer in me.  He supported me in anything I did, and he always celebrated my successes, no matter how small.  For example, when I was about 6 years old, I was a cheerleader and he would celebrate the small things such as completing a cartwheel, something I did many times already.  He kept every piece of information he received from teachers, took pictures of everything he could, and attended anything I was involved in.  He was always proud of me, and everyone that knew him, knew I was his daughter.  His support and belief in me, made me realize the world was my canvas, and as long as I tried, it did not matter if I failed.

Nana - Joyce

This picture was taken the Christmas I turned 6 years old.  I do not have a scanner, so the quality is bad.  My nana was a rock.  She was one of the strongest women I have ever come to known.  I was able to talk to her about anything that ever troubled me, and her voice would make things seem much better.  She would read to me, and tell me stories about her life growing up.  She always felt like she would be there.  She would never forget anything, even the smallest thing you would tell her.  She was always asking me about things I even forgot I had mentioned to her!  She taught me the lesson that you many not always be given the easiest of routes, but you are given all the tools and resources to complete your journey.  However, I think the most important lesson she ever taught me was this simple quote.  "You can not save everyone."  I am, by nature, a peacemaker.  I do not like confrontation, no matter who it involves.  I would be upset over two friends fighting, or when I was working family therapy and had a difficult case.  She would simply say "You can not save everyone."   She has passed on in March 2010, but her lessons and her stories will always live on with me.

Grandmother-Lucille, Great Aunt- Betty.

I do not have a picture I can upload of them, but they must be mentioned.  Maternal grandmother and her sister, my Aunt Betty were crucial in my early development, and still continue onto this day.  They were part of my household growing up, and both offered lessons in life I just needed to learn.  My grandmother taught me to work hard for whatever I needed, and Aunt Betty fostered my love for reading.  They also taught me how to pick my battles, and to try to learn what is really important and what is worth fighting for.  I learned that arguments will come up, no matter how hard you want to avoid them.

Megan - Childhood and still one of my Best friends

Finally, I would love to mention my best friend growing up.  I spent countless hours and days at her house.  It was very much my second home.  We were friends since Kindergarten, and still remain friends to this very day.  She taught me that people change, and that it is okay to allow them to change.  While this lesson did not come along until high school, I still felt it very valuable.  Growing up, she taught me that sometimes parents and adults could be wrong.  She taught me reflection, to step back and look at a problem when one occurs.  She also taught me what I wanted to do for my future.  Many late night discussions occurred in our younger years discussing future plans and what we would love to do.  She wanted to work with computers, or be a writer, and I wanted to teach or do psychology.  Whenever I was frustrated in college, or even now, she reminds me of those nights.  She relives the passion we both shared.