Childhood Web

In my early childhood years, I was very fortunate in that there were several people of whom I could trust.  The relationship I had with my mother was the first in which I developed an attachment.  She was a progressive single mother who nurtured my imagination, and made me feel especially important on my birthday, and Christmas.  The thought of her giving me portions of cooked spaghetti to put in the pots of my toy kitchenette, make me smile.  Sometimes I marvel at how genius she was, at an early age; there are only twenty years between us.  Today, I can say I share my mother's strength, resilience, creativity, humor and independence.

My maternal grandparents, James & Clem., were extremely supportive of my mother and I.  They lived in New York City and would visit us in New Jersey, nearly every weekend.  My grandfather would always give me a "Kennedy fifty-cent piece", as he would say.  My grandmother was a well-known cook; her fried chicken is legendary.  There was never a moment when I did not feel treasured by them.  My grandfather nicknamed me, "Ladybug", and told me, I brought him good luck.  Watching my grandparents work as hard as they did, they imparted a strong work ethic in me.  I am a great cook too!

In the 4th grade, I had a teacher, Ms. Peters.  She was a bit of a free-spirit; her style of dress was off-beat, and she did not conform to the traditional methods of teaching.  Ms. Peters validated the determination I displayed at eight-years-old.  She allowed me to explore my creative talents, without extinguishing what would later become dreams realized.  In all her eclectic ways, I learned at eight-years-old, being accepted was more about how I see myself, rather than how I am viewed by others.  Ms. Peters' style and critical, but free-thinking lives in me even now.

I have fond memories of an extended family member I affectionately called, Uncle Ralph.  He took me to get my first library card.  I will never forget how proud I was to sign my name on the back of it!  He and I would walk through the neighborhood, making stops to visit friends along the way--and, he once bought me a doll from a thrift store, (he bought his suits there).  He taught me a lot about life in general, over the years.  But as a small child, the simple memories of times we shared are special.  One of my favorites is a time we passed a mulberry bush, during one of our many walks.  He introduced me to the fruit, and encouraged me to taste them.  It was fascinating.  A word Uncle Ralph stated frequently, is forever emblazoned in my head, "Think". n♥