Personal Childhood Web

I have thought a lot about the people who nutured and cared for me as a child. I moved around a lot when I was little and never planted "solid" roots with friends or teachers. I had my family of course but it wasn't until I was in high school that I really met people who would change my life. I will start with the family.

1) My granny: 

My granny is my favorite person in the entire world. She has loved and supported me through some tough times. But I always knew that I could count on her to listen and love me no matter what. She has implanted in me some solid family roots and many of my childhood traditions have come from her. She has shown me what a strong woman is.  She has fought and beat some difficult situations but she never let that change her or the love she shows me. She shows me who I want to be.

2) My papa:

My papa died when I was a week shy of 16. But he made a huge impact on me for 15 years. I didn't know until later some of the demons and struggles that lurked in his closet but NEVER did those effect how he treated me. He was the most loving and supportive grandpa I could have asked for.  He fought hard against several types of cancers and finally one of them beat him. His influence was based on love and nuturing.  I knew that like my granny he would love me despite my faults.  If he were alive today, I know he would be proud of the person I have become. 

3) Nick ( my best friend)

Nick and I met my freshman year in high school.  We were on a class trip to Chicago and BOOM light lightening we were inseperable.  We spent the next three years going to dances and hanging out all summer.  He showed me what friendship was.  He showed me what it meant to truely LOVE someone.  He is the kind of friend that I know will ALWAYS be there for me, no if's and's or but's about it. Even though we now live 1200 miles apart and we can go months without talking when I see or talk to him again it will be like the day of we left off.  He has changed my idea of what friendship is.  I know what kind of person I deserve and even today when I find a "friend" I compare them to the friendship I have with him.

4) Sir (high school teacher)

Sir or Mr. Sattherwaite was my journalism teacher for one year in high school. But that was all it took. He was the "cool" teacher and one of the favorite among many students.  But for me, he was the person who pushed me beyond my comfort zone.  He made me work hard for what I wanted and didn't hand me anything.  He showed me the kind of teacher I would later become (even though I didn't know it then).  He saw potential in me and eventually made me see it too. Now even as I have grown into an adult we have kept in touch.. That is influence.

5) Elizabeth (the only childhood friend I have)

Elizabeth is about 6 years older than me.  We met when I was 6 and our families become instant friends but it wasn't until I was a teenager that I appreciated who Elizabeth was. You see, our families met because my grandparents (the ones mentioned above) were hit and nearly killed by a drunk driver right after my family moved to a new neighborhood. We knew no one and it was Elizabeth's family who came and watched my siblings and I while her mom drove my mom to the hospital.  We instantly bonded.  She was my babysitter growing up, my big sister during my teenage years and now one of my best friends. She guided me through middle and high school and supported me when no one else would. She is one of the most thoughtful and strong women I know. She continues to show me grace, love and support even when I feel like I don't deserve it. I can tell her my deepest secrets and know they are safe. I only hope that I have impacted her in the half the way she was impacted me.