Maw Maw (Great- Grand Mother) - Makes me smile just saying her name. My parents divorced when I was five and while my mother got herself together I lived with my Maw Maw. She was truly an amazing woman to take in a five year old at the age of 70. She always expressed the value of family and why we as a family did the things we did. She would tell me stories of how hard things were when she was growing up; and till this day I can see the sweet smile she had on her face when she would look down at me and say, “I’m so proud that you’re going to go to college”. I don’t know how she knew I would, but something in my heart tells me she was planting a seed of how important education is. From the looks of it that seed is continuing to work some 26 years later as I continue my education. I got to spend 3 beautiful years with my Maw Maw listening to her stories while I brushed her hair and as she would say giving her the best hugs and kisses in the world; she died when I was eight. I know that as I continue my journey during my times of weakness it is her stepping in to keep me going. :O)
Mom (Gin Gin) - Although my mom had to leave me with my Maw Maw for awhile she never allowed me to feel left behind or unwanted. Because she was young when she had me I think she needed that period of time to find herself and in turn it made her a better mother. Over the years and even today me and my mom are more like best friends instead of mother and daughter. She is truly an encourager and helps me to believe I can do anything I put my mind to. No matter what the event I can count on my mom to be in my corner.
Stepfather (Pops) - The same year my great grand mother died, my mom remarried. If it were at all possible to choose a father my stepfather would be my choice. With my own dad not being in my life and only women impacting my life thus far, I didn’t know how I felt about having a stepfather. I must say he came into my life and it’s like he was never not there. He never treated me like I was a step child but loved me as if I were his very own. He attended father daughter dances, softball games, basketball games and was always my biggest fan. My dad is a truck driver, and last year at his company Christmas dinner his boss came up to me and said,” your dad is so proud of you, all he ever talks about is what his baby cakes is working on now.” (Daddy’s little girl) :O)
Mrs. Sanford- My eight grade Literature teacher, I truly have to say the love that I have for education comes from Mrs. Sanford. She was a genuine teacher; you can feel that she truly enjoys what she does. Mrs. Sanford not only cared about our education but our well being. During my eight grade year I had a freak accident and almost lost my right foot; I was in the hospital for about three weeks and had seven surgeries to save my foot; Mrs. Sanford visited me and made sure that I had my assignments so that I didn’t fall behind, and even found time to quiz me. Mrs. Sanford is still teaching today and I visit her from time to time; it’s a running joke in her class that even being in the hospital and almost losing a foot is not an excuse to miss homework.
Hi Tiffany, You were lucky to have such a strong support group as a child. I love all the wisdom that is passed down from older people, and it sounds like your maw maw was a very wise woman! Your stepfather sounds like a really great guy. My father was a stepfather to my older sisters, and it was not a pleasant experience for them. My husband and I are still married, but I made a vow no matter what to never expose my daughter to a stepfather! I think it is great how almost everyone has a teacher listed in their personal childhood web – we really do make a difference!
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