Personal Childhood Web

Many people have influenced me greatly throughout my childhood to early adulthood.  I am very thankful for each and every one of them.  I love them very much!!!
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The first two people that have influenced me in my life are my mother and father.  I am so fortunate to have both of my parents in my life growing up as a child.  Not many children have this nowadays and I am considered a minority.

From day one, my mother has encouraged me to be the best that I can be.  She has been a great inspiration and role model.  She was the first out of seven children to graduate from college.  She has shown me how to love and feel loved.  She taught me to be an independent woman.  Because of her I am the woman I am today.  She has helped me overcome many obstacles in my life for instances when  my husband abandoned my two children and I.  I did not have a place to go and I had to come home.  Mom always said, "Home is where your family is and this is where you belong."  My mother is my best friend.
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What can I say I am a daddy's girl?  My father has given me his great leadership skills.  He has also showed me the way of volunteering in the community.  My father volunteered in the local fire department for over 35 years.  During that time, he served as Fire Chief before his health caused him to retire.  He encouraged my mother, two brothers, and I to join the department.  Even though it was not for me, he helped me find my future career of teaching young children.  I found my calling when I helped with the fire prevention program at the local schools.  My father says, "Helping those in need is like helping yourself in need.  But only your need is more fulfilling with your kind act." 
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The third person whom has influenced my life's journey is my grandmother.  She was a very strong and bold woman.  She raised seven children on her own.  She was very smart and intelligent.  I remember spending time with her a lot when I was a child.  I always looked forward to going to the country, staying all night, working puzzles, and cooking with her.  I know that if she were alive today she would tell me how proud she is.  I know that she is watching over me each and everyday.  She is my angel.