Personal Childhood Web

Wow this is going to be hard to narrow my circle of love one's down to only 5 people. I have had so many people in my childhood that nurtured and cared for me and helped mold me into the woman I am today. I really appreciate them all. The 5 people who come to mind are:

• My Mother (Catherine)
• My Godmother (Auntie Jettie)
• My Cousin (Marcus - deceased)
• My 7th Grade teacher (Ms. Patrick - deceased)
• My Great Grandmother (Nina - deceased)

My Mother ~ I can say a lot about my mother that would take up this post and more. She is my everything. She is the first person to teach me about the true meaning of love. I have learned a lot from her. She taught me how to read, write, love, care, share, cook, clean, and the list goes on and on. According to some other family members and friends my mother spoiled me. I do not consider it being spoiled. My mom made sure I didn't want and need for anything. She always told me that she never wanted me to fulfill my needs from others or turn to the streets. She never allowed me to spend the night over friends houses and even some relatives houses. I use to wonder why until I became an adult. She said I knew what was going on in my house, I did not know what was going on in other people houses. I agree and I have that same mentality especially now that I am a parent. There are some crazy wicked people in this world and some are your own relatives. I love my mother for everything she did for me including the discipline. I have never done drugs, I do not hang in the streets, I do not belong to a gang, and I wasn't a teen parent. I think my mother did well and I love her for that. I am well educated, working a full-time job, have a career, my own apartment, car, and even though I am a single parent I am able to provide for my child like my mother did.

Auntie Jettie ~ She has truly cared and nurtured me when I was child. I remember that she was always there no matter what. She was there for every birthday celebration I had, she was there for every school play, concert, and graduation. She was even there when I had my child. She has supported me every step of the way. I truly love her and I know that no matter what I do in life she will be there to support me.

Cousin Marcus ~ He was my best friend. We were inseparable and everyone knew it. I was able to talk to him about anything. Even if he knew I was doing wrong he was there to talk to me through it or out of it. He was my crime partner :) He helped get in and out of trouble. He gave me fashion advice, relationship advice, and he also helped me learn how to drive. I could call him anytime of the day and he would drop what he was doing to talk to me. I miss him and it has been hard letting go. He has been gone for 13 years and it still does not get any easier. He taught me about friendship and I love him for that.

Ms. Patrick ~ She was actually my 4th and 7th grade teacher. She gave me confidence to do my best in school. She encouraged me to challenge my fears and take on anything. There were favorites in the school that many liked, but she always told me that if I went up against them and lost to not allow that lost to bring me down or keep me from achieving my dreams. We talked all the time and she felt confident in my abilities that she would make me classroom leader most of the time. She taught me about trust.

Nina ~ My great grandmother taught me about my history and I love her for that. I believe that this is the reason there is a lot of violence in our communities today, besides parents aren't doing their job. I believe that all children should learn about their history. I remember a story my Nina told me about when she was the "Help". She said this house she cleaned the White lady would leave a coin out or some jewelry to see if my great grandmother was a thief. My Nina told me that she would clean up around the coin or jewelry and she never touched it. I was just amazed as to what she went through. I know that the things in the movie "The Help" was true. I appreciate all of the stories and I learned from them.

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My Favorite Children's Book "Goodnight Moon"

"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown

I love this book and my daughter loves this book as well. It teaches her about going to bed and saying goodnight. This book helps me teach my daughter how to wind down and get ready for bedtime. 

"Goodnight room, Goodnight moon, Goodnight cow jumping over the room". 

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A story about little Chase that touched my heart

There was a little boy in my program named Chase. Chase was the second child of 3 children in his family. Chase and his other 2 siblings were being raised by their father. Chase seemed to be very quiet and didn't speak much. His father explained to us that he used minimal words and that he told the child's physician and the physician referred the child to a speech specialist. After coming into our program I noticed that Chase did not like to play with the other children, he always wanted to be left alone. I always made an effort to go in the classroom and speak to Chase everyday. He never spoke back, but sometimes he would wave at me. A year had passed and Chase was moved to the next room up. I went in his new classroom and I did not notice that he was in there. I was speaking to another teacher in the room and the other teacher kept trying to get my attention. When I finally turned around to acknowledge the other teacher she said "Ms. Erica you didn't hear me, I said Chase was calling your name". I said really, I walked up to Chase and I said what did you say and Chase said "Hi Erica". A tear started to roll down my face and I said you really made my day Chase, now I feel so much better. Chase smiled and gave me a hug and as I walked out the room Chase said "Bye Bye Erica". I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day :) I saw Chase dad the other day when I was going to my car and I asked how was he doing. His dad said "thank you for all that you have done for my son, his speech has improved 100% and he even made the honor roll at his new school". I said really I am so proud of him and tell him I said hello and I am very proud of him.

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My Favorite Quote About Children

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"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much" 

~ Marian Wright Edelman

My Favorite Quote About Education

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"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today" ~ Malcolm X