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| My Uncle Larry and Aunt Janice |
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| My Cousin Stephanie |
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| My Sister Kendra |
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| My Aunt Shirley |
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| And the most important to me my Grandmother Pearl |
I have a very big family. My grandmother on my mother's side had ten children! Five boys and five girls! And my father's mother had eleven! Even though I had all these people around me, my mother's side of the family is the closest to me.
My Grandmother Pearl--she's the most important to me because I was always with her growing up. I stayed with her after school, she taught me how to cook and she was always encouraging and patient with me. I think that was because she knew I sometimes got lost in the shuffle. I was a quiet, reserved child who often when unnoticed, and my grandmother seemed to know this without me saying a word! That's grandma! She still does it to this day when I talk to her, encouraging me and uplifting me when I never tell her anything is wrong.
My sister Kendra- She is the little spitfire in the family. Says what's on her mind and doesn't take much from anyone. Growing up I remember thinking that I wish I could be like her, say what I feel and not hold back. She was always focused and determined to do things her way. And then she would do things her way. She got married when I was fourteen years old and she was seventeen. I always remembered how brave I thought she was and is. We weren't very close growing up because she was busy with her friends (and boyfriends), but we are inseparable now!
My Aunt Shirley- My aunt was the nurturing one in the family. Every summer we use to go to her house for about two weeks. There would be about ten of my cousins there including her two kids. She would always make time for us, to play games, laugh and talk. Every time I went to stay at her house, it always felt warm and loving and I wanted to stay, but knew I couldn't. When I would leave her house I would be so sad and she always gave us hugs and told us there would be the next time.
My cousin Stephanie-Stephanie is my aunt Shirley's oldest daughter. Although she is eight years younger than me she always made me feel special and we are still very close. Growing up I would pretend that she was my own baby. I changed her, feed her and played with her as much as I could. I would always ask my aunt if I could do things for her. She use to call me her favorite cousin and that always made me feel special. She has such an easygoing personality and is always smiling, I like to feel that the interactions we had growing up as a lot to do with that. But then again it could just be wishful thinking!
My Uncle Larry-My uncle Larry made me feel like his little girl when I was around. I remember when I was about five, he sat me on his lap in the car and let me steer the wheel. I felt so grown up and proud that I got to do this. When I would go over to his house to see my cousins, he would squeeze my cheeks and ask "How's my Boobie doing?" and give me the biggest hug. I always felt special around him.
There are many others in my life that I am blessed to know, but growing up these are the ones who stick out the most. They continue to contribute to my life in many ways. My grandmother and sister are always encouraging and supportive. They encourage me to be strong and be who I am. They also encourage me to continue my education and bring everything that I am to whatever I do. My cousin and her mother still make me feel special when I am around them. They make me laugh and I enjoy spending time with them even though I don't get to see them as often as I did as a kid. I appreciate everything each and everyone in my life has ever did for me and want to thank them for contributing to me being ME!
