The five people that were most important and supportive in my life growing up were my Father, Mother, Second Grade teacher, and my grandparents.
My father is patient, generous, loving, smart, hardworking, humorous and helpful. He is a very loving, caring, nurturing and supportive figure in my life from day one. I was born premature and he came pretty much every day to see me and create a bond through touch. As I grew older he always gave me lots of hugs and cuddles, believed in me, taught me lots of different things like how to ride a bike, helped me with my homework every night so that I would make good grades, he taught me responsibility and respect. He still continues to provide a caring and supportive environment for me and gives me advice whenever I need it or he thinks I do... :-) He always (made) makes sure I know Im loved, capable of doing anything and that no matter what he will be there for me.
My mother is a perfectionist, caring, somewhat affectionate, organized, and nice. She taught me how to take care of others, clean, be organized (though it didn't stick extremely well), and sharing. She was the one that spent the majority of time with me while my dad was the one who provided for us. She did her best with me though I was a 'difficult' child because of my A.D.D. She wasn't a very patient person and would get frustrated with me easily though she taught me how to multitask. She continues to try to teach how to be organized, cook (i hate) and be more independent.
My second grade teacher was sweet, kind, smart, pretty, generous and hardworking. She made sure all her students knew they were special and could accomplish anything we set our mind too. She provided a nurturing, differentiated and educational classroom. She was the teacher that 'caught' my A.D.D. and brought it to my parents attention so that I could get tested for A.D.D. If it was not for her then school would have been 100x worse then it was and I would have not gotten A's and B's like I did. Because of her my dad spent countless hours a per week studying with me so that I would learn the lessons and subjects taught. She gave me extra attention and modifications so that I could learn to my fullest with my ability. My teacher was very patient and caring with me and she made me want to become an educational professional and touch the lives of any children I cross paths with. She does not literally ouch my life anymore for I have not see her since 5th grade but her influence on my life has lasted through the years and gave me hope and determination as a child.
My grandparents were very sweet, loving and head strong. They were always excited and happy when we came to visit and had little goodies. My mother and my grandmother 'fought' at Christmas over who was going to buy me the coolest gift or whatever I wanted the most. They were both very family oriented and religious. She taught me the value of believing in a higher creation though she believed in God. They always had hugs and kisses and time for me (and my sister). My grandfather passed away in 1995 and my grandmother passed away in 1996 but my memories of them linger on and I hope to be as loving and sweet Grandmother as she was.
Thanks, for sharing your experiences. This brought warmness to my heart. I am so glad your teacher caught what was going on with you! Your story just reminds of the characterestics we learned with Mahaley, Miguel and Mark. I chose the terms boundaries, equilibrium and hierarchy to reflect on. We reading your passage I can see that boundaries are not shaping what you experienced as a child. Sounds like you want other children to know they can be all they can be! Equilibrium was surely projected through your Dad! He really stuck with you and was everything any kid with or without a disability. Thank god for your dad! Hierarchy was illustrated through I think your mom and dad. Sounds like dad went that extra mile alone with supporting the family. Your mom really gave you the tools to work with being that you were diagnosis with ADHA. I know personally with the students I serve that in itself is a job. But, look like you are just fine now. KDO'S to you! Thanks again
ReplyDeleteYour welcome! Im glad you gained some insight from my experience. School was really rough growing up but its gotten better. My dad did play a huge part in who I am today, how far I have come and my schooling. Its possible for any child to succeed with the right tools and support.
ReplyDeleteIt is story like yours that keep me in the education field! You still remember the influences your teacher had on your educational success. I too remember a teacher who fostered my education in positive ways. I remember my third grade teacher taught us how to write poems. The poem I wrote to my father was chosen to be read at the Father's day luncheon. I was so nervous that day, but it is one of my fondest memories.
ReplyDeleteYour story shows us how with the support and love you can make it! How your teacher helped you and gave the attention needed is heart touching. I know that it must have been hard on your mom at times being the one who did the day to day care. That was how it was at our house and at times we drove my mom nuts! lol I am really enjoying getting to see a different perspective on childhoods and the direct influences on the children! Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments and feedback everyone!!
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