Personal Childhood Web

“I sustain myself with the love of family.” 

― Maya Angelou

This blog is dedicated to my family. They have always provided my love and support throughout my life. This does not include everyone, but those show shaped my life the most.

Mom – My mom was a lucky enough to be able to stay at home as we were growing up. This was something I grew to love because I knew that she was always there when we needed her. My mom always took time to listen to us, care for us, and to tell us she loved us. My mom had five children, and I was the middle child. She made each of us feel that we were special and unique. My mom was very active in our schooling and making sure we were doing the best that we could at any time. I could and still can count on my mom when I need something. I feel very blessed to her child.

We moved to a new city, Fort Dodge, IA, and they put a picture of us in the paper.

Dad – My dad was a very hard-working man, but he always had time for his children. My dad traveled for his job, but when he was home he was 100% dedicated to what was going on with his family. I was a “daddy’s girl”. My dad always told us how much he loved us and tried to be at every school or extra curricular activity he could due to his work schedule. I cherish my memories I have with my dad. Unfortunately, he passed away in July 2012. One of my favorite memories was having him meet my new boyfriend (my husband) for the first time. I knew the one person in the world that I needed approval from was my dad. My dad loved him. They quickly became friends and then like a son.

My favorite picture of my dad taken in the 70s.

Nellie – Nellie was my maternal grandmother. Grandma had a way of making every one of her grandchildren feel they were special. She was very interested in our activities and how things were going at school. I looked forward to talking to her on the phone at least once a week and visiting. I remember spending a few weeks in the summer at her house with my sister and some cousins. My grandma always made sure she had made us all meals and always let us helps out around her farm. Every time we would have to head back home Grandma always had an “I love you” and a big hug for me . I cherished these good-byes and looked forward to this. One of my favorite memories was going to church with my grandma. She played a huge role in my faith. It was an honor to sit in the front row the church that was my grandma’s row. We would sit with pride because we were with her and not say one word.

Alana – Alana is my aunt, my mom’s sister. Alana was a schoolteacher, and I remember how exciting it would be to have her in my classroom. We were always lucky enough to spend time with her and her family during the summer. We would help her get materials ready for the next school year. I remember cutting things out like crazy. I admired her and wanted to be like her. During our visits she always made sure we were reading and always had interesting learning activities for us to do. We never felt like it was a chore because she always made it exciting. Alana loved to see learn. Today, she enjoys doing the same activities with our own children and her grandchildren. She has been retired for years, but her love for learning has never ended.

 

My aunts, Alana and Mary Jane and I in Virginia Beach.

Mary Jane – Mary Jane is my aunt and my godmother. I cannot remember a time when Mary Jane was not at an extracurricular activity for us. She lived in the same city and we were always getting together with her and her family. As my godmother she was very active in my life. I knew I could turn to her for advice and help. She spent time a lot of time at my grandma’s farm during the summer always included my sister and I. I looked forward to this time with her because I felt special. These trips were a yearly tradition until I entered high school. Mary Jane was a very patient woman too. During our yearly trip we  (my sister, her sons, and I) would complain that she drove too slow. Imagine listening to that for a two hour drive!