After this week of contemplating my childhood, and how my family will influence the way my daughter will grow up; I remember the people that mean a lot to me and influenced my life as a child.
There are many people that had a large impact on my childhood. The ones that come to mind are: my mother, father, brother, childcare provider Lisa, and school teacher Mrs. Roth. One thing you should know about my childhood is that I had complications hearing and underwent 14 surgeries before I was 21 years old. My childhood was spent in and out of doctor's office and hospital visits for surgeries.
My mother and father influenced me in different ways. My mother and I had a rough relationship for many years. We are both stubborn and opinionated. My mother did show me how to be a great mother. You won't always be friends with your children but she always had my best interest at heart. My mother and I share some fond memories of baking Christmas cookies and watching old movies during the holiday season. These traditions have stayed with me.
My father and I have always had a good relationship. You would say I am a Daddy's girl. He is my go to person when I have a problem and need to talk out a solution. He was the one to place consequences when I was in trouble which I didn't make easy on him. He has always supported me decisions and tried to help whenever possible.
My brother, Josh, is older. He was five when my twin brother and I were born. Although we fought in our teenage years, he has always been there for me. He is my protector. He is a great example for me with parenting and even his career. He has been a teacher for eight years now and loves his job. He is a great inspiration to me. Even when we weren't getting along, he always showed he cared. After one of my last surgeries he showed up after work with a thick chocolate milk shake for me. It was very sweet of him.
Lisa Nickal has been an inspiration my entire life. My mother found Lisa, as a provider, when I was 18 months old. She cared for me throughout my childhood. Prepared all of us in her care for school and made sure we accomplished what we needed to before entering kindergarten. She cared, nurtured, taught, and loved each one of us in her care. I joke that she is a second mom to me. She was there when my parents couldn't be because of work.
Mrs. Roth was my first grade teacher. She was only in my life for a year but had so much influence. She is an inspiration to any new teacher. She made a point to know about each of her students and show them love throughout the year. She stands out in my mind because of her passion. I was scheduled to have my surgery the day before we were taking the class field trip to the zoo. I was very upset that I would be out for this event. She visited me at my house after the surgery and spoke with my mother about bringing me to the zoo over the summer. She followed through on her promise and I went to the zoo with her and her niece.
Hello Megan,I see you had some wonderful people in your life while growing Up. I am sorry to hear about the surgeries you had as a child.It's a blessing that you had so many people to help you through it all.Reading your post you seem to be an intelligent and caring person. The things you have endure would have made a child bitter. Having people who care about you makes life so much better.
ReplyDeleteYour relationship with your first grade teacher reminds me of one I had with my first dance teacher. I did not include her in my web and after thinking a bit more I probably should have....I can remember staying the night at her house one time while my parents were out of town. She took me to a performance at Cal Arts and it made such an impression on me that I vowed I would go to school there for dance. I didn't end up going there (financial and distance reasons) but I did stay on an artistic path and I should give her credit for that.
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