Monday, July 15, 2013

Personal Childhood Web

1.) Sharon Russell- Grandmother, Mother Figure, Friend 
My grandmother practically raised me! As an adult I appreciate her more each day! I have sweet memories of her fixing my favorite foods and baking cupcakes for me to take to school for holidays.
She supplied all of my needs and with good behavior most of my wants.  My grandma was a Strong Type A Personality and while she is sweet as pie, she didn't take and non-sense. As a result I love order, I'm a hard worker and believe if you treat people with respect you get respect.  I can't thank my grandmother enough for teaching how to be the loving mother and successful woman that I am today.
2.) Rhonda Russell-Mack- Aunt, Role Model
My aunt was the person that I idealized as a child.  As a child I thought she was so cool and did everything right. She taught me how to ride a bike, drive, and even took me to get my first pedicure. My aunt received her B.S. at  Virginia Tech, M.S from Old Dominion University, and Doctorate from University of Phoenix. As a teenager I remember seeing my aunt walk across the stage to receive her diplomas and vowed that I would do the same one day. As an adult I look up to my aunt when it comes to raising my son. I remember watching my aunt interact with my cousins and always provide them with the best opportunities. To this day if I have a question about school, my son, work, or just need advice I will call my aunt.
3.)Melvin Whitten Sr.- Father
My dad was the person that I would run to if I had a problem and needed someone to talk to. He always had great advice and did not judge. My dad would throw big birthday parties  and take me put to the beach, park, and mall for special father and daughter time. As an adult I continue to rely on my dad for emotional support and for some one to just hear me vent. He is a great Grandpa and continues his legacy long walks on the beach, mall , and park with his grandson, RJ. 
4.) Rosa Whitten- Grandma, Friend
Grandma Rosa was the typical old but sweet grandma with a sweet little voice. She taught me how to cook breakfast food such as pancakes, eggs, and bacon. She always had a smile and would give her last dollar to make my brother and I happy. As an adult I reflect on my the relationship I had with my grandma because she always had a way of making me feel so special. I believe every child should have that one person where just being in their presence make you feel special.
5.) Harvey Russell- Uncle
Uncle Harvey was the motivator in my life as a child. He always had something positive to say and knew how to make you laugh. He was also the person I went to if I had a question about any thing. He had a way of answer questions in a way that will never make you forget the answer. As an adult I appreciate the laughter that he brought to my life as a child and even now as an adult.

7 comments:

  1. I envy you your relationship with your grandmother. My grandma I adored as a child was very fickle with her affections, she loved you when you were young and cute and when you were not she was done with you. By the time I was old enough to appreciate the love of my other grandmother Alzhiemers stole her from us.

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    1. A loved one having Alzhiemers is rough....Hold on to your good memories !

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  2. Shirley, I loved reading your memories of your family! It sounds like you had a great support system. One of my chosen people in my web was one of my aunts who was like a second mom to me and I noticed you mentioned your aunt in there, as well. I think it is wonderful that you mentioned your grandmothers, too. Unfortunately, my grandparents have all passed on but I wish I could have had more time with them to learn from them as you did! :)

    Ashley

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  3. Shirley it is so nice to hear you had some great women as role-models in your life. Your Aunt seems like quite an accomplished character! Is she the reason that you chose to continue school and get your Master's degree? It is nice also that it seems she is still an integral part of your adult life also. I hope to have the same with some of my role-models, like my extended family, who I didnt mention in my web...

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    1. Yes...my aunt has motivated me to get my Masters... I'm sure when I receive my MA, she will be pushing me to move forward!

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  4. Shirley,
    Sounds like your aunt was a great role model for you! When I read your post I had a flood of memories of how I would watch my aunts and how I couldn't wait to grow up because I wanted to be just like them. I'm not sure if you are an aunt now, but if you are I'm sure you are setting the same example your aunt set for you!

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  5. Shirley,
    Thanks so much for your participation in our class. You brought a wealth of knowledge and showed tremendous support to everyone in class. Thanks!

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