Personal Childhood Web

There are people in my life who have impacted me in one way or another and helped me to become the person that I am today.  I am thankful for each and every one of them knowing that their imprint, no matter how large or small has assisted me in my "becoming": 

Nanny: This is my paternal grandmother, she was so much more like a mother to me.  As the eldest of my father's children, I was shown much love and attention growing up.  My father passed away when I was 13 years old, my grandmother made sure that I knew who my father was. any questions that I may have had about him. She made sure that I had answers to  She was always there for me. She was very stern growing up, however she made sure that each and every one of her grandchildren knew that she loved them in one way or another.  She was the "rock" of my family, she passed away this year and will forever be missed.

Aunt Annette: My aunt (father's sister), she was my inspiration.  I grew up in a single parent home with little hope that life would offer me more than  that which I saw.  My aunt faithfully picked me up every weekend and every summer without complaint.  Just being in her presence inspired me to want more out of life.  I looked forward to the time we spent together.  She exposed me to things that I would not have seen had I not been with her.  Her continued love and support for me has encouraged me to establish bonds with my neices and nephews and to always be there for them.

Uncle Edward:  My father's only brother.  My uncle unfortunately never married and had children of his own.  Upon my father's death, my uncle purposed to be there for me growing up and continues to do so in my adult years.  His dedication to me has helped me to relate to my husband, I didn't realize how much not having a father can impact a woman in her adult years. 

Toni:  My favorite cousin.  He taught me everything I needed to know about how to carry myself as a woman from a male perspective.  He was always there when I needed him, always honest in a loving way.  He always encouraged me to pursue my dreams no matter how outlandish they may seem to someone else.  He jokes and refers to me as a "professional student", and laughs and tells me how proud he is of me and my academic accomplishments.