Margie
Margie is my mother and by far one of the most incredible women I have ever known. My mother had me when she was only 19 years old and decided to keep me and raise me while my father finished high school. My mother has been a major influence on my life because has always stressed the value of hard work and education. My mother worked 2 jobs until I graduated in 1996, then she enrolled in college with me. She nurtured me by not only providing material needs but also emotional needs as well. My mother and I held conversations daily (and still do) about everything from the Bible to goals/life aspirations. She made me feel special by attending all my events no matter how big or small from preschool until now.
Jerry
Jerry is biological father that I had the pleasure of spending every weekend and special holidays with from newborn until now. My father is my backbone and is more like a brother than a father because of my comfort level with him. I was born when he was only 17 years old and he never missed a single event in my life. He nurtured me by making himself available to talk no matter the time of day or night. I am his only child so giving me his undivided attention was how he made me feel special. My father encourages me to take risks even when I am not too sure of the outcome. I can always count on him to be my cheerleader or comforter when I need one especially if the outcome is bad.
Johnny
Johnny is my paternal grandfather which I spent every weekend with and Christmas holidays. I am the first born grandchild on my father's side so Johnny was my favorite grandfather to hang out with. Johnny nurtured me by encouraging exploration of my surroundings, for example, we would hunt for frogs and insects together. Johnny also had a rather unique way of disciplining me when I was in the wrong. He did not believe in spankings but would sit and talk with you about your problem, allowing you to come up with ways that you could better handle it. He made me feel special by showing me new skills or just spending time coloring with me. He is such a good spirited man that his influence on my life is to find passion in everything that you do, no matter how big or small.
Sally
Sally is my maternal grandmother that I was blessed to share the same house with for the first 8 years of my life. My grandmother is from Alabama and very soft spoken. She was removed from school in 3rd grade to help care for her siblings so hard work is the only thing that she knows. She is also the neighborhood grandmother that everyone depends on for kind words and warm meals. Sally nurtured me by cooking and and caring for me during the times that my mom had to work. She walked me to school and would meet me halfway in the afternoon to hear about my day. She made me feel special because she would allow me to read to her and comb her hair even when she was tired or sick. My grandmother has always encouraged me to "be the best at whatever I do and don't let your circumstances make you bitter".
