Personal Childhood Web

       I would like to introduce you to some of my childhood influences.  My mother, Margie.  She is the absolute biggest influence in my childhood and continues to be that influence.  My mom always has had a love for children.  She opened our center when I was 6, my brother 4.  She worked long hours everyday, but we always knew she was there for us.  She instilled such a great work ethic into us.  I actually started working at the childcare when I was 12, cleaning bathrooms and sweeping sidewalks and driveways.  She helped to develop my love of children by being an great role model.  Even at 73, she is still working everyday, either with the children themselves or with the health dept., dept. of education, and school district to further the causes of children.  She is a great encourager and my proof-reader for my papers and proud of me going back to get a Masters Degree.
       My grandmother, Margaret Blacklidge, was the smallest little lady with the biggest heart and personality.  She made a huge impact in my life.  She was one of my biggest supporters.  She loved everyone and treated them all like they were her own grandkids.  I try to make sure that all childred I come in contact with are made to feel that they belong to me and I love them.  I felt it was a privilege to be able to sit with her when she got sick until her death.  I loved that little woman and still remember her smiling as the ambulance took her away for the last time.  She grabbed my hand and told me to tell the family to let her go.  She trusted me to take care of that for her.  She died 2 days later after the family decided that it was time to trust her and God.  Even now I'm tearing up and she went to heaven 20+ years ago.
       My Aunt Patty, she's not really my aunt, but my best friend's mother.  She made sure that we always had what we needed, still does.  She is a loving woman and going through some hard times now.  I hope that I am able to support her like she has always done for me.
      Childhood influences are so important to build positive experiences. The three ladies are the epitome of positive experiences.  I am so thankful to have grown into a woman and mother with these ladies influences in my life.