Personal Childhood Web

My childhood was pretty interesting, but there have been a few people than helped to shape me into the person I am today.

My mother was a great woman.  I went to live with her as a foster child when I was five years old and she adopted me at the age of eight.  I was taken away from my biological mother when I was around three or four because of neglect.  I have read that children do not remember anything from their childhood prior to the age of four, but I am proof that this is not true.  Throughout my entire life, I could not remember how my biological mother looked, but I do remember being on a porch and clinging to her legs, screaming hysterically for her to not the "bad people" take me away.  However, being taken away from her was a blessing.  My mother who raised me was very strict, did not tolerate disrespect, and kept us sheltered.  With that being said we did a lot of things as a family such as traveling, game nights, bible study, and lots of outdoor activities.  For a long time, I use to wonder why my parents adopted my siblings and I because they were so strict and it appeared that they did not love us.  After reading the assignments for this week, I realize that they raised us based on how they were raised and because of how people raised their children at that particular place in history.  I do know that it takes a strong person to have raised three of their biological children and then adopt five more that were from different backgrounds and families.  Some type of order had to be in place or I imagine they would have gone crazy.  I am forever grateful to my mother for making me a strong woman and a person who treats others with respect.  Without her I do not know where I would be today.  One of the events that makes me smile when I think of my mother was when I passed my driver's licence test.  She gave me the biggest hug ever and I could tell that she was genuinely proud of me.  These types of moments did not happen to often in my house, so this is one that I cherish.

My aunt Lily was a very sweet woman and my neighbor while growing up.  She was the woman that gave us snacks after school and was there to listen and give us sound advice.  Her house was like my escape from life and she was loved by everyone who came into contact with her.

My sister Sharon is one of my best friends.  In our household with so many children at times, we stuck together through it all.  Although, we are not biological sisters, we are adopted sisters.  We have been through so much together and it is great that we have are still one another's confidants and can be ourselves with one another.  My military lifestyle keeps me away from family most of the time, sometimes in two year stretches.  When we see one another after so much time, it is as if we've seen each other everyday.  I love her and am thankful for her.

My sister-in-law Audrey is truly a God-send.  I was in the sixth grade when she married my brother Carl.  She and I became very close.  I could not talk to my mother about anything personal, so Audrey was that life line for me.  She became that mother-like figure to me.  I would spend many nights with her because my brother worked nights.  She showed me things like how to wear makeup properly, fashion, and gave me advice about boys and drama with friends....the list goes on.  She is no longer married to my brother, but we still keep in touch and I am her children's favorite auntie.