Personal Childhood Web

Mom

    My mom was a single parent raising 2 young children. When I was 9 she moved us from Ohio (where all of our family was) to Arizona, because she thought we would have more opportunities, and the nice weather was a huge selling point for her. My mom worked hard to provide for us, and we always knew she loved us. She taught us independence, and valuable life skills like shopping on a budget, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, responsibility, and how to take care of ourselves, our animals, and others. As an adult, I have a different/interesting relationship with my mom. 

                                                                Mom, dad, me, brother

Dad

    Even though I didn't grow up with my dad, he was always part of my life, and I am much more like him than my mom. I get things like my sense of direction, budgeting, and time management from my dad. He has always maintained a very strong work ethic which has been an inspiration to me. I learned how to appropriately handle workplace conflicts from my dad. He has also been my biggest cheerleader with all my career aspirations, and is constantly telling me I can do anything I put my mind to. 

                                                                               Dad 

Grandma Dale

    My Grandma Dale was a huge part of my childhood! After we moved to Arizona, my grandma would fly my brother and I back to Ohio every summer so we could visit our family and dad. She also made sure that we had birthday and Christmas presents, and would call us constantly. Grandma was always very supportive as I was growing up, and ensured we had anything we could ever need or want. She owned a successful business with my uncle, and I was able to work with her when I would go home for summers. She also taught me about work ethic and responsibility. Unfortunately my grandma passed away when I was in my early 20's, but I know she would be proud of my accomplishments and the woman I have become. 

Grandma & Grandpa R.

    My grandparents on my dad's side were both in education. My grandma taught was an art teacher, and my grandpa ended his teaching career as a principal. Both of them are also Veteran's. When I lived in Ohio, I would spend every other weekend at their house (they were both retired by then). My grandparents were very active, they traveled the world, were avid golfers and dancers. They were always doing something or going somewhere, and showed me the importance of staying active and having fun. After moving to Arizona, they called weekly and send a card for every holiday. My grandparents were great role models for me, and were very proud when I decided to become a teacher. 

                                                                        Grandma R.

Aunt Gina

    My Aunt Gina is my mom's older sister. She was always on the go, doing a million things at once. My mom often says I'm like my aunt and my grandparents, because I'm always on the go doing a million things at once. My aunt become more a part of my life as an adult. After she retired, she followed her dream and opened a Tea Shoppe where she would throw tea parties for people. My aunt was an amazing cook, and loved to entertain. Watching her pursue her dream late in life was a true inspiration to me. She always tells me how proud she is of me, and how much she loves me. She has been very encouraging and loving. She was recently diagnosed with advanced dementia and is in an assisted living home so I don't get to talk to her often. 

                                                                          Aunt Gina