Mom: To my mom, her family always has and will come first. Mom loves and protects each of her children unconditionally. Through her example, I learned to love wholeheartedly and cherish my children. Next to my daughter, my mom is my greatest cheerleader. Our home was filled with music and laughter, and that was because of Mom. My mom continues to impact my life as a living example of beauty, grace, and class.
Dad: I was a daddy’s girl. I was just over a year old when my sister was born, so my Dad took care of me when my mom was caring for the new baby. My Dad and I have always had a good relationship. I started working for him when I was in high school and continued for the next 15 years. Dad has always been supportive of me throughout each stage of my life. I know he is proud of my career and educational accomplishments.
Auntie Bubbles: I am not sure if we “adopted” Auntie Bubbles, or she “adopted” us. Either way, we were family. My siblings have their birthdays in April; mine is September. Auntie Bubbles would always have a special gift for me when we gathered to celebrate birthdays. She did not want me to feel left out. Each Christmas, Auntie Bubbles would take my mom, my two sisters, and me to a fancy restaurant for dinner in downtown Minneapolis. She would then take us shopping for matching Christmas dresses. Auntie Bubbles and I shared a special date: September 16 was her wedding anniversary and is my birthday. Although Auntie Bubbles died a couple months ago, my childhood memories of her remain clear.
Joy: Joy is my sister; she is 3 ½ years older than me. As the first born, Joy had to live through the successes and failures of inexperienced parents. I, however, received the benefits of her experiences. Not until I became an adult did I realize the gift I have in Joy as my sister. I remember Joy reading to me, helping me get dresses and brushing my hair. She showed her love and care for me through her actions. I was her little sister and I just knew she would always be looking out for me. As adults, we live thousands of miles apart, but she is always ready to listen or help in any way she can.
Miss Esser: Miss Esser was my 6th grade teacher. Miss Esser was young, pretty, and “hip.” The boys in class had crushes on her and the girls wanted to be her. She saw something in me; I’m not sure what it was. Maybe she could tell that I had been teaching my younger siblings. I became her assistant and I loved it! Miss Esser had confidence in me; she provided opportunities for me to express myself in ways that I still practice today as a classroom teacher.
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