Our assignment this week for the MSECS Foundations class is to create a space to list our childhood web of support. Now, I have to really think back to remember those outside of my immediate family! Childhood for me was.... a little while ago (I'll be 50 January 5th!!). But one amazing thing about this assignment is the timing. I lost my mom a few years ago and this activity would allow me to pay a special tribute to her on November 17th, her birthday.
Happy birthday Mommy, I love you!
My Mom: Lillie Lee a very nurturing and giving person, taught me to behave like a lady, to believe and trust in God. She was the one who told me that I was beautifully and wonderfully made. She'd say what ever I set my mind to do, I could do It! I know she is in heaven along with the other cloud of witnesses looking down and cheering me on right now!
My Dad: Leroy Roberts was always there for me, a good provider and made sure I did well in school. His work ethic was exemplary; I don' t recall him taking days off from work! He is now retired at 72 and still has a part time job.
My Little Brother: Everett Roberts was more like my peer than a little brother. It's funny, I was the older sister, but my little brother taught me how to ride a bike! I was eight then and he was six!
Uncle Buddy and Aunt Maggie: supported me with their love and fun family cookouts and vacations.
My Family's Church: Dixon United Methodist: this is the place where my mother's older friend with the blue hair would constantly affirm me by saying "Oh you are such a pretty little darling!"Sunday school was fun. My mother sang in the choir and would move the people to tears with her beautiful voice. Her singing made me happy.
My Elementary School: St James. Grades 1st-8th. If there was ever a school I would model my own early academy after, it would be this one! Every single one of the teachers nurtured as well as pushed the students to succeed; even if they weren't in their class. The teachers cared about the students, made sure that each student was culturally literate and aware! We learned that our brown skins, no matter the hue, were beautiful, with poetry, with music, discipline, love, and lots of healthy physical activity!
My immediate family with the exception of my mom and uncle are still important in my life. My school and church has really impacted me professionally in that the special gift of learning and the way it was taught to me, I want to pass it along; a love for God, for learning, and respect for others.
Hi Sheila Lee! What a beautiful woman your mother must have been! I am so glad you were able to be loved in a most special way from all the people in your life. And even better, they all pointed you toward God! What a wonderful childhood you must have had.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
Cortnee :)
Hello Shelia,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would also like to extent a Happy Birthday to your Mom. I just recently lost my mother after years of sickness. My heart goes out to you.
I was inspired by your comment about your brother. My little brother and I was the best friends. I taught him how to ride a back and He taught me how to play football. I LOVED IT.
I love the comment you made about your mom enforcing in you that you were beautifully and wonderfully made. I can remember my Nana reciting scripture to me all of the time. One of her favorite verses was Psalms 139:14 which says "I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made". Maybe your mom and my Nana are in heaven praising God together as we work our tails off in this class :) This weeks assignments have definitely brought back many wonderful memories of my Nana as I'm sure you have been thinking about your mom. I am saying a prayer for you tonight.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila, first and foremost I want to say I’m sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed reading your Personal Childhood Web; your mom sounds like she was an awesome woman of God. You are so blessed to have had such a strong encouraging woman in your life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!!!