I remember growing
up in a household where I felt protected and safe. My father Allan Flowers was the reason I felt that kind of safety at
home. When I was a little girl I was very scary. I was scared of my own shadow if
you asked me. I was stay awake most of the night because I was scared and also
because it was hard for me to sleep. No matter how late it was I would call my
dad just to see if he was woke and he would answer me, by saying “what is wrong”,
I would replied “I am scared”. My dad would assure me that everything is Ok and
he was right in the next room, which made me feel much better. My dad would
always encourage me to do better in life, by finishing school and by doing something
positive with my life. I remember one of the saddest times in my life, which
was during a miscarriage. My dad looked at me and said “You are young it is not
the end, so don’t you give up, hold on like your life depend on it”. Now, every
time I am faced with a situation I remember those words he gave me when I was
twenty-three years old. I did not give up and I had my first baby two months
before my twenty-eight birthday. I am now in my forty and those words still
rings in my ear what my dad said to me. I even share his words with other
people who maybe face with a situation as well.
My mother Lela Flowers
was the backbone of the family. She was the disciplinary, encourager; the one
would bring all the goodies and the one who help me with all the homework. My mother
had six girls only and no matter what we went through my mom was there. I believe
raising six girls was hard; but my mom never showed it. I remember coming up where
we did not have a lot, but my mother would make something out of nothing; just
so we would not be without. My mother remind me of the virtuous woman a person who would make sure
her children and husband needs are met and then she take care her own needs. My
mom would share her favorite Suzy Q cake with the six of us, even if she had
the smallest piece. When my mom got back in the work field, every payday she
would take us out to eat and buy us nice thing. I can truly say my mom give us
her last. I believe my mother taught me the value of life. Now as a wife, mother
of four children beautiful children and a grandmother I know the important of
making sure the family needs are met. I also think about keeping my family
safe, making sure I instill good values in my children and encourage them to be
the best they can be.
My oldest sister Sharon was my best friend
coming up. She was the one would help me with most of my homework. She was the
one who help me tie my shoe better, by tying them in several knots and tucking
them in my shoes. My sister was the first person I went to crying when I came
into young lady hood. When me and my sister was little we made a vow to live
together when we got older. By the age of twenty-nine my sister died and I would
always remember our relationship we had. I love my sister. Now, I still try to
be the big sister to my other sister just as Sharon was to me. She was a
present help especially when I needed her.
My cousin Arthur
was the one who also helped me with my homework. Arthur was good in math. Since,
I was not doing well in math Arthur would show me how to solve the problem in
the simplest way he could. Arthur would also encourage me to do well in life,
by asking me what I want to be. When I tell him how I want to be a teacher. He
would reply “you are smart enough to become a teacher” Arthur would tell me how
his wife is a teacher and I can become a teacher too. Now, I am a teacher and I
am still working hard to enhance my teaching skills, so I can do my best to
make a positive impact on children lives just like my cousin Arthur was in my
life.
My teacher Ms. Davis
had a positive impact in my life as a student. She was kind, caring and
patience to me. Ms. Davis would work with me one on one in order to make sure I
understood the lesson being taught to me. I felt I was truly learning from her
then my previous teachers. I liked Ms. Davis because she was a good teacher.
She encourages me to want to be a good teacher just like her. I am still
teaching young children who need nurturing, someone to have patience with them
and to positively guide them and because of Ms. Davis I am that teacher who can
give those good qualities to them.
I just want to say that your mother is definitely a virtuous woman. I remember when I was growing up my mother would make sure her children's needs were taken care of prior to doing anything for herself. When I became a mother, I did the same thing with my family. I made a lot of sacrifices for my husband and children and it has played a tremendous role in how they live their lives today. I would always tell them that my responsibility was to make sure they had what was needed to be successful in school and provide them the nurturing of a caring parent. They are adults now and tell me all the time that they never knew of any struggles in the family because they always received what they asked for. I started taking care of myself about 9 years ago when my son graduated high school but we all know that parents still do for their children even when they become adults.
ReplyDeleteYour mom is definitely a great role model for all for all of us. You definitely had a wonderful childhood and I know you are doing the same with your family.