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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