My Personal Childhood Web

I identified 4 different groups of people in my life who have surrounded me with a supporting, loving and nurturing environment throughout the years from when I was little to now….. a little older!!!

                My mom                                                                                   My dad

Both my parents have had such a big impact on the paths I have taken that have led me to who I am today. They have always trusted my decisions…whether good or bad. If it was a wrong decision, it was never, “I told you so!” but rather, “What did you learn?” My fondest memories of my family is being at our cottage. We bought our cottage when I was 4 and we spent every week-end and every summer up at the lake. We swam, had camp fires where we sang silly songs, played games and just took time to enjoy one another. I was always close to both my parents, but extra close to my dad. He never showed his love with kisses, but “wet willies” was how he expressed his love. I wouldn’t trade all those wet yucky ears for anything! My parents have guided me in the many different paths that have come my way. My dad passed away 15 years ago and there isn’t a moment that I still don’t think of him or wish that I could just get one more “wet willie”. Even though he wasn’t there to walk me down the aisle or witness the birth of my 2 children, I know that he was looking down with such love and joy.  I still seek his advice or approval daily as I know that he is still guiding me with everything that I do. That may seem weird to some, but have you ever watched, “The Long Island Medium”? I never miss it and I truly believe that even though I can’t physically see my dad, that he is there with a smile as I know that he is proud of who I have become. 

My grandparents

My grandparents were a big part of my life. Every Sunday night was a big dinner at my grandparent’s house where we all gathered together at the table sharing great food and then playing with my cousins. There was a great feeling of community where everyone had a sense of belonging. My grandparents always made me feel special. I was always greeted with the biggest kisses and the squishiest of hugs. Every time my grandfather would kiss me he would say, “You are sooooo beautiful!” He was so genuine that I truly believed him. I remember that I use to have these great sleepovers at their house. They lived on the water and I always remember getting up and feeding the ducks with my grandmother. They were very special and I always cherished their genuine love they had for me.

                                                                My siblings

 What can you say about siblings???? I am the youngest of four children. My sister is 8 years older than I am, so when I was 10 she was already married.  We are close now, but when I was young and playing Barbies, she was kissing boys!! Although, I do remember her making clothes for all of my Barbies! She is more than a sister to me now.  She is also my friend who I share things with. She is also very close to my children and my children adore her as well.  I also have 2 older brothers….what can I say about brothers?  Jane Austen said, “What strange creatures brothers are!”  If you have some, you will know what I am talking about. They teased me, bugged me and would scare me daily!!! I honestly think that is a job of a brother. Even with all the teasing, they always watched out for me, especially at school. I am especially close to one of my brothers today…even after all that teasing. Our children are the same ages and we do a lot together with our families.

                                                                My friends

I was very lucky and still am to be surrounded by a diverse group of friends who have brought out the best in me and me in them. Friends offer you a different type of support. You can trust them; you share the same interests and you are there for one another. I am still friends with a girl I have known since I was 7 years old. I cherish her friendship.

I can honestly say that all of the people who care or cared about me have made me a better, daughter, sister, friend, mother and wife. Their encouragement to foster my strengths and work on my needs has made me who I am. I still look for their encouragement. When I hesitated about applying to Walden due to my lack of confidence, they all encouraged me and said that I could do it and guess what? I am!!!