Personal Childhood Web

My Mom - I was an only child growing up and my mom and  dad divorced when I was 3. My mom was there for me through my turbulent childhood and teenage years. I don't know what I would have done without my mom. She has been my best friend since the birth of my oldest son. She has given so much of herself to me and would do anything for my family. Her life was not easy and she always put me first.

My Grandparents - While I was growing up, my grandparents lived in the same town as I did. We lived on opposite sides of town and I had a special path that I walked to get to their house every day. My grandma taught me how to cook, sew, and bake and my grandpa taught me how to grow a garden. I have a special flower garden at my house that is planted in honor of them and we continue to have a vegetable garden every year as well. I have so many special memories of them because of the time I spent with them. I was probably at their house more than my own.

My Babysitter, Alice - Alice was my first babysitter and she began taking care of me when I was a baby. She had 5 older children that were like my brothers and sisters. They were all in high school and they took me to the movies, swimming, and generally allowed me to tag along with them everywhere. I learned to ride my tricycle at Alice's house and I have so many scars on my knees from falling into the bushes. She also had a great sand and mud pile where I used to play and get extremely dirty. My favorite memory from her house was baking with her. She made homemade bread every day and it was so delicious! We also used to exercise to Jack LaLane. She also took care of a Down's Syndrome child and she taught me that God creates everyone special. I accepted Stormy for who she was and defended her to other children in the neighborhood. Alice and Stormy taught me about acceptance and patience early on in my life.

My Aunt Esther - She was my mom's oldest sister. She was married to my Uncle Merle and he worked in a gravel quarry. They lived on a farm before moving to Charles City, Iowa. I used to stay at their house for several weeks during the summer. They lived along the river and I used to go down to play by the river with them. They have been gone for a long time now but a favorite memory is watching TV at their house and the commerical for Color 3 Mason City. Now, all these years later, my son will be working for this TV station as a TV broadcast meteorologist. Life has come full circle for us!

ME! - I think I had to grow up quickly as I had no siblings and a dad and stepdad who really wanted nothing to do with me. I had to find things to do to occupy my time and spent a lot of time reading and going to the library. My mom and stepdad worked 5 days a week so I was home alone after school by age 9 but I had my grandparents to go to. I have had ups and downs in life, from being a single parent to my son to losing my first husband in a car accident, and a daughter having a traumatic brain injury. I have found strength in myself and Christ that kept me going when I wanted to give up. I hope I have been a role model to my children as they grow and go out on their own.

I would not be who I am today if it were not for all these people who are and were a part of life. I am grateful every day for their presence and memories and hope that I can share these in my children and future grandchildren one day.