My Childhood Web

My Mother, Anthena Stanley

            Loving, nurturing and inspiring are three words that only begin to describe my mother. My mother is truly my inspiration for all things that I do, both past and present. My mom was my best friend, my confidant, my role model and my personal cheerleader. It is difficult to express in words how my mother and our relationship have impacted my life. She too was an Early Childhood Educator and the impact that she had on so many children’s lives has inspired me to pursue ECE as a career. My mother always encouraged me to follow my heart and believe that I have the ability to do anything that I choose. She always wanted me to succeed in whatever I put my mind to. I was my mother’s only child and I was her world.  She always nurtured and supported me. I remember when I was a child, she would attend every performance I had. It did not matter whether or not I was making a speech in front of the school or saying one line in a play, she was always there to support me. Her support and time spent with me meant more to me than any monetary or materialistic thing she could provide. Although she is no longer with me on earth, I know that she is always with me in spirit and in knowing that it motivates me to continue to strive to reach my goals and never give up.  I know she is watching over me with a smile on her face because I am making her proud.

My Grandmother, Thomesina Stanley

            Understanding, caring and full of wisdom is three words that describe my grandmother. My grandmother is the rock and the matriarch of the family. She is full of knowledge and wisdom and she always shared her life experiences with me. We would sit and talk for hours and we still do til this day. She always encouraged me to live to my fullest potential and not to settle for mediocracy.  I think I was secretly her favorite because we have this unbreakable bond and I carry many of her character traits. I remember when I was a little girl at her dry cleaners; I would take the scrap fabric leftover from her alterations and make dresses for my dolls with them.  She saw that I took an interest in fashion and sewing and she taught me how to sew. She taught me how to sew by hand at the age of 8 and on the sewing machine by age 11. My grandmother was always my go to person whenever I needed advice on a major issue. She always knew what to say and just the right advice to give. She was and still is my support system. After my mom passed in 2004 my grandmother stepped in and became that mother figure I needed. She comforted me in my darkest hour and she reassured me that she was there to support me although my mom was no longer there. This grew our bond ever stronger and now we are connected at the hip more now than ever.  

My Uncles, Delton and James Stanley
             My uncles played an important role in my life. They were the strong male role models in my life, since I did not have a close relationship with my father. They taught me many life lessons on relationships, finances, leadership and entrepreneurship. I could always go to them for advice and they would always give me good honest advice. Although they had daughters of their own, they always treated me as if I were their daughter. I always held a special place in their heart and for that I would always be grateful.