(From top left clockwise Grandma, Father, Best Friend, Mother, Sister in the middle Me!)
My personal chilhood web begins with my mother. My mom was my primary parent and she sacrifices everything to make sure my sister and I had the best childhood she could offer us. She always took time to listen to my ideas, support my adventures, and hold me when I needed her. Today she is still my closest friend, and the person I call when I need support.
The next person on my web is my maternal grandmother. My grandma and grandpa lived very close to us, and were always there to help my mom out while my dad was away on work. My grandma always had time for my sister and me. She taught me to bake, sew, and read. She was always honest, and ready to help. She continues to be there when I need an honest opinion or some extra help with my latest craft project.
My sister is six years younger than me, and during my childhood she was more of an annoyance to me than a sister. However, after my parents split she looked to me for guidance. Through the years I can look back on our relationship, and she is a large part of the reason I have chosen the field of early childhood. Now, my sister challenges me everyday to look beyond myself, and see that each person is unique.
My father was a very loving man who wanted his the best for me. He worked in a career that took him away from home for long periods of time, so growing up I didn't see him often, but when I did it was a special time. My dad was always so interested in what I had to say. He was always so intriqued by my ideas, school clubs, and athletics. He wasn't able to be around for most of it, but he always made me feel like a genius. His love for the people in his life still influences me today.
Finally my best friend in school showed me how to be a good friend. She was there for me when I was at the highest, and she was there for me when things were the lowest. She made me a part of her family, and offered me the opportunity to do many things that I would have never experienced with my own family. Today we have grown apart, but each time we get together it is as if not time has passed at all.
I too feel very fortunate to have such a close relationship with my mother. I used to call her at least every other day, sometimes several times a day to ask advice, share a moment or sometimes just to hear her voice. I say "used to" because she has recently moved in with me! I cannot convince her, even now, how much support she is- she keeps my home running so I can focus on work and school. Nonetheless, I still find myself giving her a call when I am out, just to say hello and I love you!
ReplyDeleteI have the same relationship with my mom! We are so close! I call her whenever I need anything. We talk at lest three times a day. You are very fortunate to have a relationship with your grandparents. The fact that you can still spend time with your grandmother is such blessing. My maternal grandmother was in my life but she was sick so I did not get to know her the way my other family members knew her. She died in 1995 but everything I hear about her sounds wonderful. I wish I got the chance to get to know her better.
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