My Personal Childhood Web

The foundation if my development was formed through many close relationships, here are just a few.

Mom - my mom taught me everything I know. Besides some of the general skills for life (cooking, cleaning, etc), she taught me how to love and trust in others. She modeled caring and communication skills that are important in relationships. She was a stay-at-home mom who made sure we were loved, cared for and had what we needed to succeed. I loved knowing that when I got off the school bus she would be home, waiting to hear all about my day. By her example, I saw what it takes to be a great mom. When she succumbed to breast cancer in 1994, she began a new journey of trials and triumps that fell short in 1997.  She left me with a lifetime of memories and lessons that impact my life on a daily basis.

Dad - Although my dad and I were not as close, I have great memeories of my childhood with him. My dad took me for my physical to enter kindergarten. I still remember sitting in the doctors office with him at this appointment. As an auto mechanic my dad often worked on cars in our garage. I was allowed to play in these cars while he worked on them. My dad probably never knew how these fun times playing at the steering wheels, brought my role-playing skills to new heights. I also remember one year he took me and my brother to the local horse show. We had a great time just enjoying the races. He also, has journeyed on to a new life, leaving me memories to cherish.

Grandparents - I loved spending time at my maternal grandparents house. I would go and spend several nights at a time, mostly in the summer. Some of my most memborable times are helping my grandma spring clean. The grandpa would make us chocolate shakes and we would sit on the front porch and catch lightening bugs. My mother used to tell me that she would call over to my grandma and ask if I was ever coming home. My grandparents impacted my life through their love and the things they taught me. I learned to starch linenes from my grandma and a little bit about carpeting from my grandpa. My grandmother also left me with a love of fruit and cottage cheese. This was a part of dinner every night.

Siblings - I am one of 6 children. Although all my siblings have had an impact on my life, most of my early childhood years were spent with my oldest sister (Sylvia) and brother (Bill). My brother and I were not even a year apart (we are the same age for 10 days). We spent a lot of time together playing cops and robbers on bikes, playing in our basement, etc. We always called each other buddies and did a thumbs up in true Fonzie fashion. Unfortunately, we have grown apart in our adult years. Sylvia taught me a great life lesson - life's not fair. As a kid, one of my favorite sayings ws "that's not fair" and she was quick to remind me that life's not fair. However synical this might sound, it is something that impacted my life, and we mention it often.

Ms. Gavin - Ms. Gavin was my kindergarten teacher. She allowed us free play for most of the morning. One of my main memories about kindergarten was how Ms. Gavin played piano during circle time. This began my love for music. She encouraged singing and experiementing with music. Ironically enough, in high school I had the opportunity to take a quarter of piano classes. It was fun. Although, I am not very successful at playing the piano, I can tinker with it now and again.