Personal Childhood Web

The five people that come to mind from my childhood would be my father, mother, grandmother, teacher (Ms. Berger) and Uncle James.

Gilbert Thomas (Dad) - I remember him as far back as about 3 years old.  He was always reading to me, teaching me my colors, abc's, etc.  He would have me watch TV with him while he explained different things to me about the show.  He was my first teacher.  When I was about 10 years old my Dad got me all dressed up and took me to a fancy resturant.  I remember everything about the resturant, it was really nice.  He talked to me about dating.  He said that I should only go out with a boy that can take me nice places.  My Dad purposely dropped a knife on the floor, before the knife hit the floor the waiter was at our table with a new one.  He said to me "that is how you know you are in a nice restuarant". 

Norma Thomas (Mother)-  I remember my mother teaching me about household things, how to wash clothes, clean a bathroom, cook.  She also taught me etiquette.

Oriel Richardson (Grandmother) - She lived with me and was my caregiver when my mother was at work.  She was notorious for telling stories.  I remember sitting at her feet along with my two bothers and listened to stories she would tell.  I remember not understanding some of her stories, but she would always tell us the moral of the story.

Mrs. Berger (Kindergarden teacher) - She was a round red headed middle aged woman.  When I was young I thought she was Mrs. Santa Claus.  She was very jolly.  I remember her teaching me how to line up and always telling me to smile (I was a very serious child).

James Douglas (Uncle) - He is a pastor and was also known for telling stories.  I would say Uncle James was responsible for my knowledge about God.  He would read to me and talk to me about God as a child.

Many of these people still influence me.  My Dad influenced me up til his death in 2007.  As an adult he was my confidant, I would talk to him about work, boyfriends, etc.  He would always advise me regarding my troubles.  My mother is who I talk to about receipes, tv shows, gossip.  In her own way still teaches me a thing or two about the right or wrong way to handle things, household things.  Uncle James is still counseling me regarding the bible and practical issues regarding the bible.  He was my confidant when I went through my divorce.  My grandmother always said "Pick your friends carefully, because who they are so are you".  I always remember this saying when meeting new people.