Personal Childhood Web:

My personal childhood web consists of all family members. My mother is the oldest of 10, my father an only child. My parents then had 16 of their own. I am the 14/16 that includes 10 girls and 6 boys. There were so many of us growing up that we were each other’s play mates. My brothers and sisters played baseball, kick the can, tag, and hide and seek with me plus taught me games they made up. We played cards together and tricks on our parents. We are all very close, so it is hard for me to pick just a few for my web.

I have to put my mother and father first on my list because without them I would not be who I am today. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have been given them as parents. From my parents I was taught morals, values, and was given strength. My mother taught me how to cook everything from scratch including baking. When she was in the kitchen, I was right beside her. We helped work my grandparent’s farm so I also learned how to can and freeze vegetables. Even as a very young child, I would have a “job” in the kitchen alongside my big sisters.

My father worked hard but never missed a sporting event, he was my biggest fan. I still remember the advice he would give me after track meets, and he was always positive. My father is baseball’s number one fan and I have fond memories of going to baseball games for as long as I can remember. I was even taken to a major league game when I was about 10; it is something I will never forget. My parents also gave me my religious beliefs and I do not ever remember missing a Sunday service with my whole family taking up an entire row.

My sister Terry was more like a mini mom to me. When I was 3 she had her first child so my niece and I were close growing up. I would spend part of my summer with them and that would always include traveling. I was very lucky to be able to go and see all that I did because of her. She opened up the world around me. Terry still is very positive and continues to be supportive with me and my children.

My sister Irene always had hugs for me and when I would spend the weekend with her, which was often, she had projects planned for me. Irene taught me how to crochet, draw and paint which sparked a love that would carry on to this day. It was because of her giving me that interest that I spent 2 years at an art school during junior and senior years in high school. I still draw and paint today.

My sister Mary was always there for me. As a young child I remember Mary was the one who took us little ones to the park. If I was 4 or 5 she was only 14 or 15, but she had at least 5 of us with her. She did not just take us to the park and let us run wild. There were always games or activities for us while we were there. Then later when I became a teenager, Mary became my best friend and she helped me through my “terrible teens”; she still is my confidant.

These family members along with all the others have been a constant in my life since the day I was born. They have been my friends, my supporters, and my family. When we were younger we may not always got along, but they all helped make me who I am; and for that I am truly grateful.