The first person that influence my life was my mother. My mom was a very strong person who loved her children very much and always made time for us. She read to me every night and gave me the gift of loving to read. My mom was a very passionate person who always believed in my dreams and supported me in anything I chose to do even when I had to learn the hard way. My mom is my greatest cheerleader in life.
The next greatest inspiration in my life is my school counselor my senior year in high school Ms. Blackwell. My senior year was a very difficult time in which I became pregnant and chose adoption for my child. When everyone else felt I was making the wrong decision, Ms. Blackwell gave me the wisdom and courage to do was right for me and my daughter at the time. She was my hero who took care of me and told me that "I was the bravest person she knew, because I was giving someone a greater gift than myself." I still talk to Ms. Blackwell today 17 years later and I thank her every time for giving me the strength I needed to be a better person.
The third person who always was there for me and impacted my life for the better was my third grade teacher Mrs. Mckenzie. I was a new student starting a new school in the middle of my third grade year and she made me feels so welcome. Afraid and not knowing anyone she took care of me, introducing me to my best friend I have kept in touch with the last 25 years and making me feel very special. Mrs. Mckenzie was more than a teacher she would tell me stories of her and her best friend writing letters on toilet paper, she would always teach the material in a way that we could relate and understand and she always knew how to make me smile. I have never known another teacher to touch me that way she did but she influenced me beyond any measure she ever thoguht to compare.
The fourth person who made me the person I am today is my brother and sister. Growing up we often had to lean on each other through the difficult times of life and without them I am not sure I would of made it. When I thought I needed to be strong for them they showed me how to be strong. They were my best friends growing up we always had each others back and took care of one another. We had and still do have a very special relationship that only brothers and sisters know about they are my safe place when I need to talk and my crazy siblings when I need a laugh!
This last person was my greatest influence in life, yet my memories of them were short lived as she passed away when I was 13, my grandmother. My grandma was the greatest she loved all 26 of her grandchildren but made each of us feel like her favorite. She taught me how to sew and we made my first homemade dress together. She taught me the love of the Lord and provided me with my First Communion supplies needed for the special day. My grandma always cared for others and would take me to her friend's houses to help her, she showed me the meaning of caring and being selfless. I would not be the compassionate person I am today without her special talks and showing me how to change the world.
In the end I am truelly blessed to know these five people, they are the reason I am the mother, wife, and child I am today. I want to leave this poem I was given when I faced the biggest decsion of my life choosing adoption but the greatest support of my life Ms. Blackwell. I work with teenage girls and choosing adoption in my spare time at a local nonprofit organization hoping that one day I make a difference in a girl's life the way she has made in me.
Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love. The second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality. The other gave you a name.
One gave you a talent. The other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions. The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile. The other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.
And now you ask me, through your tears,
the age-old question unanswered through the years.
Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling. Neither. Just two different kinds of Love.
© Author Unknown
Hi Michelle
ReplyDeleteIt is very commendable of you to share the people and events that shaped and inspired you in your formative years. I especially enjoyed the poem you shared at the end as it is an excellent tool for you to use with the teenage girls that you are assisting.
It seems as if your experience has positively impacted you, although I am sure that it had its moments struggle and heart ache. I am wondering if your high school and family were supportive during this period? In particular, did the school system offer supports for your to continue to attend school?
Carolyn
My high school was very supportive as far as the admin but it was very difficult to face friends who did not agree with my decision, although my best friend always had my back through it all....I did graduate that same year and on time I opted not to take 6 weeks off to go back to school after a week of having my daughter and giving her up for adoption, I wanted to get back to school and be normal again as soon as possible because the pain was too much to bare sitting at home. Thanks for your comments and questions!
DeleteThank you for sharing your very personal story with us. I appreciate your transparency. The poem was excellent. It made me cry! I loved your story about your grandmother. She reminded me of my granny, who also died when I was young, but the lessons she taught me were life long! Again, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletekristi, thank you for your comment I want people to know that through all of lifes ups and downs that you can persevere and still come out on top! The people you surround yourself with are utlimately molding you unexpectedly.
ReplyDeleteMichele, I must say I like the statement you made about growing up how often you had to lean on each other through diffcult times of life and without the support of your family you wouldn't have made it. I felt the same way too. Great support comes from a great family I have came to realize that.
ReplyDeleteYour childhood web was vey detailed and I learned a whole lot about you! I absolutely loved the poem, it really makes the idea of adoption just beautiful!!!
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