Friday, September 24, 2010

My Childhood Web

Personal Childhood Web

My mother and father are two of the biggest influences in my life.  Throughout my life they have always been there for me, when I was sick, sad, and mad or just needed someone to talk to I could often go to either one of them.   They truly did spoil me, which has influenced who I am today.  I was given a lot as a child, got to do a lot, had the fancy dresses and clothes, newest toys and the best education that they could provide for me, but they also taught me to respect my things, myself and other people.   Since both my parents were educators I was lucky enough to have regular family dinners, vacations and regular family time on the weekends.  In fact until I was eight years old I had my parents all to myself.  Once my sisters were born, nothing really changed.  They treated me the same as before and even trusted me with more responsibility, by helping with my sisters.  To this day we are all very close and still help my husband and I often.  They have taught me to be a caring, responsible person, and value my family and friends and education.  If it were not for the examples and values they have instilled me I’m not sure where I would be today.  My parents have set an excellent example for me on how to raise a family, have a successful career and be happy in life and not take things for granted.  I am truly thankful to have such wonderful, supporting parents.
My grandmother, Ruby was my sitter throughout my life until I started school.  I loved going to my grandmothers.  After raising four of her own daughters you would think she would be tired, but she wasn’t, we were always playing or doing something fun.  I was only allowed to watch certain television shows and was encouraged to play often.  My grandmother would often play Barbies, store and we even would play some of the Price is Right games, using things she had around the house.  I used to love pretending to play PLINKO on her wingback chair!!  She encouraged to use my imagination often!  During these years she would teach me little things like sewing, practice simple math and reading skills that my parents were working with me at home.  We would take walks to the local convenient store or park regularly.  Everyday my Grandfather would come home lunch and we all would sit and eat together.  I was their first born grandchild and spent a lot of time with them, I can honestly say not only did I enjoy it but they did as well.  To this day I talk to and visit them regularly.  We are very close, we even try to go breakfast or lunch and shopping once a month.  My grandparents have always been involved and asked me how things are going with school and work.  I feel very blessed to have such caring grandparents and to still be so close to them today.
My grandparents on my father’s side of the family were also very influential on who I am today, especially when it comes to family.  I come from your typical big Italian family, as my dad is one of five children and I am one twelve grandchildren, and I am smack in the middle as number six, ranging in ages from 34 to 18.  Unfortunately neither of them are no longer with us, however, I remember everything about them that inspired me and made me feel special.  Along with my parents, they instilled the meaning of family in me.  They made sure we saw each other often a gathered regularly on the holidays.  They would make each grandchild feel special as they would visit each of us on Christmas morning and then we would all gather at their house on Christmas night and New Years Day.  To them family was extremely important and I am very thankful for this value.  I know when I have children I will certainly raise them to value family. 
All of the above have truly impacted my life by simply showing love and support, providing care and encouraging me to to do my best!  I am truly greatful to call them my family.
Grandparents (Dad's)

Grandparents (Mom's)


My Parents, sisters and I


4 comments:

  1. Wow! Your blog and most certainly your family are absolutely beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deanna,

    I really enjoyed reading about your childhood and fond memories. What really hit home for me is when you spoke of your grandparents. I miss both sets of my grandparents as they too were a big part of my life. You mentioned that you come from a typically large Italian family. I come from a very large Hispanic family and family is everything. Family and food at every event!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Deanna, Your post was awesome. I enjoyed reading about the relationship you have with your grandparents. I lost my grandmother to pancreatic cancer almost 2 years ago and my family has never been the same. She was so loved by all that some of us would not even come together as a family unless she was there. She was an awesome lady and we all miss her. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Deanna,

    Thank you for sharing. Grandparents are usually the center of all families. I know when my great grandmother was alive we would go to her house for all the family functions. After she died, the family sort parted ways. Here and there we manage to have family events, but nothing like holidays past.

    I totally enjoyed reading your blog!

    ReplyDelete