Sadly, I do not have a picture from my childhood in digital format, but I do have a picture of one of my favorite places that me and my family went for fun when I was growing up. It is the lighthouse in St. Joseph Michigan. We lived minutes from the beach and we frequently went to the lighthouse to spend time as a family.
There are five people that really supported me, nurtured me, and cared about me as a child. I have listed these individuals below.
1. My Mother, Linda. I think one's mother is always the first person on most people's list :0). In addition to caring for my basic needs, my mother influenced my development in a postive manner. She always encouraged me to be independent and live out my dreams. Education, sports, and writing was also of interest to me at a very young age. In order to support these passions my mom always encouraged me to learn, praise me for my accomplishments, and allowed me to express my creativity through writing short stories and song. My mom always told me that "Girls could do anything boys could do better". She always would tell me how she regretted that she lived in a time that would not allow her to pursue her education and forced her to raise a family. It is for that reason, she wanted me to put me first and start a family when I was ready. To this day, my Mom is the shoulder to cry on, my cheering squad, and my best-friend.
2. My Step-Dad, Symon
Even though Symon became my step-dad later in my childhood, he had no problem supporting me financially, emotionally, and being the father figure I never had. He was the one that taught me how to drive when my father was not around. He was the one to make me his wonderful chicken soup when I was sick. He was the one in my life that would see my logical and less emotionally way of thinking. He was the one person in my life growing up that appreciated my sense of human and got my subtle sarcasm. Symon still provides me with both intellectual support today when I need it.
He also continues to play the role of my father.
3. My Brother and Sister. My brother Steve and my step-sister Kim were always there to support me on an emotional, physical, and intellectual level. My brother would not hesitate to stand up for me at school against teachers and bullies. My brother, being my polar opposite, would always help me become more street smart (I was always book smart). My brother and sister Kim were the ones that I played with, laughed with, and cried with. Although I don’t spend much time with them now that we have grown, we always have no problem getting back into our roles as children when we get together.
4. My First Grade Teacher, Mrs. Bookout. Of all of the teachers that I had in my life, I believe Mrs. Bookout to be the most supportive, caring, and influential. In addition to allowing me to excel beyond the class, Mrs. Bookout was always supportive for my talent in Math and Writing. Most girsl at me school hated math and were not that good at it. I also was a young child during the time that it was believed that girls did not have mathematic capabilities. I was the exception. Mrs. Bookout constantly encouraged me to be different than the other girls in the class and embrace my intellect for the subject. She also encouraged me to write and share my short stories for all of the members in the class. Even though she is not part of my life today, I do not believe that I would be half the person that I am without her. Because of her, I embrace who I am and I am afraid to be different than others that I am surrounded by.
