I had a wonderful childhood and was constantly surrounded by people who cared about me. Like many families, mine was extremely close. So close in fact, that every one of my neighbors was a relative. I grew up surrounded by my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. More than anything else, as a child, I wanted the convenience of being close to friends, not family, but as an adult I realize how very fortunate I was. Every one of these people had a huge impact on me as I was growing up, I am outlining the ones who had the greatest influence on me.
My Mom
I could never have ever asked for a better mother. My mother, Laura, is caring, supportive, loving, and always, still to this day, makes her children her priority. Even though I was the middle child of three, my mom had a way of making each child feel special. I never felt that I was any less loved than either my brother or sister. She made it a point to spend time with me individually, whether it was watching a movie, playing badminton in the back yard, or painting my nails. I valued that time spent with her as a young child and she was always more than willing to give of her time. My mom continues to impact my present life because everything I know about being a good mother comes from her. I strive to make my daughter feel as special as my mother made me feel. She is an amazing role model.
My Father
As a child, I was somewhat frightened of my father, Dave. He was strict and would not tolerate any misbehavior from his children. As a result, I was very well behaved at home and at school and remain a rule-follower to this day. Although he had this side, he also had a very fun side. He loves to joke around and is wonderfully creative. Like my mother, he spent a lot of quality time with his children. He used his creative talents to build go-carts for the kids and we would spend hours riding around the house. Many of the memories involving my childhood with my father was when he would help me create a school project. He would help me with building, painting, or drawing; whatever the project required. I was always so proud of them, as they were often much more creative than the other students. As I got older, the relationship with my father got stronger. He relaxed a bit and became more of the "fun dad". At 27 years old, we still have fun competing against each other on his Nintendo Wii. I think my dad helped me to develop a sense of humor and incorporate fun into many aspects of my life. He also helped me stay on the right track and grow up with the idea that adults are to be respected, which I think is lacking in so many children I work with.
Growing up, both of my parents worked full time. I was so very lucky to live across the street from my maternal grandmother and grandfather. My grandmother, Isabel, was a second mother, as she raised me while my parents were working. I remember feeling that her house was more like home than my own. She provided me with breakfast and got me ready for school every morning. I was a very sweet, kind child and quickly earned a special spot in my grandmother's heart. I was also the youngest girl, and was often left out. I have to admit that I did receive special treatment from my grandmother. I remember her sneaking me a special treat or buying me something from the store. My grandmother continues to impact my present life because she is proud of me and my accomplishments. I can't count the number of times she has made a comment about me being a "school teacher". I never would want to disappoint her and her high opinion of me helped me to be successful in life. My daughter has her name because she is so special to me.
My grandfather wasn't around as much as my grandmother. He worked for much of my early childhood, and when he retired, he would be outside gardening or working in the garage. Even so, I loved spending the night with my grandparents when my parents were out of town. Every night, my grandfather would get a snack out for the kids, usually cheese, crackers, and bologna, which was my favorite. He was also always there to help out my parents with picking me up from school or other events. My grandparents served as second parents while I was growing up. They are both wonderful, supportive people and I am so grateful to still have them in my life.
As I grew older, I had a few teachers and others who impacted my life and made me feel special. My early childhood list is specific to my family, as they were mainly the only people I interacted with as a child.
