My Childhood Web

NOTE: Pictures are at the bottom of this entry of my Granny and Papaw, my parents, my Aunt Jenny & Uncle L.C.

There are so many individuals who were “crazy” about me growing up.  I came from a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, so my support system as a child was quite large.

Granny and Papaw are pictured holding me, when I was around 2. Papaw always had time for me and always made me feel loved.  Although he died when I was 3, he left a lasting impact on me.  He always shared his Vienna sausages with me and when I would sneak one, he’d say, Oh, Granny, get me some more.  His and Granny’s house was just up a path from my house so I spent lots of time there.  I loved sitting on his lap and just being around him. 

Granny taught me so many things.  I never remember her saying a cross word about anyone, nor did she ever have anything negative to say to me.  When I would get excited all she had to do was just look at me and I behaved.  Granny quilted all the time and made each family member quilts.  I still have her quilts and they are a treasure to me!  When my Papaw died, we moved in with Granny.  She became my best friend because I could tell her anything.  She always encouraged me and loved me, no matter what.  When she died when I was in middle school, I was so sad, and it took me some time to get over her death.  I still remember all the stories she told me, and some of them I am telling my daughter.

My parents are so dear to me.  My Mom always has been here for me no matter what was going on, what triumph or tragedy I was facing.  Growing up, I was the fat kid.  Mom always made me feel loved no matter how others perceived me.  She has taught me how to be a woman with integrity, virtue, and trustworthiness.  She taught me skills to be independent, such as cooking and cleaning, and how to stretch a dollar!  She taught me how to sew and quilt.  I love my Mom dearly and I am so thankful for her influence.

My Dad has always called me “Squirt.”  Even to this day, he calls me that, and if he calls me Kristi, I fear I have done something wrong!  We have a special relationship.  He has taught me never to give up and to always honor the Lord in all I do.  He used to sing songs to me and play with me after work.  He certainly has impacted my life for the better!

My Aunt Jenny (heart shaped picture) always had time for me.  She always encouraged me to do what I dreamed, whatever it was.  I could always talk to her about anything, and she always gave me sound advice.  During my high school and college years, she helped me see my worth as a person.  She always laughs and has funny stories.  She inspires me because she is truly a happy woman.  Still to this day, I call Aunt Jenny and discuss things with her.  She is deeply involved in my daughter’s life, and I love that she is passing on family stories to my daughter.

My Uncle L.C. (oval shaped picture) is one of the most intelligent people I know.  He is a retired engineer, and I often went to him with help on Math.  He is a musician (he can play the banjo, guitar, organ, mandolin, and fiddle) and he always had a song to share.  He is rooted and grounded in the Bible, so I often asked him (and still ask), questions about the Bible.  He still inspires me, because he never gives up even when he has been faced with health issues.  He is involved in my daughter’s life as well.

Mrs. Higdon was my kindergarten teacher.  She helped me with the transition to school by supporting me and loving me.  She fostered my love for learning.  I am grateful for her influence.  She has been my administrator at my school, and she currently is one of my supervisors.  I continue to learn from her in this role.

Mrs. Crouch was my third grade teacher.  She was compassionate, loving, and challenged my thinking and helped me grow as a student and a child.  It was her influence in my life that made me declare in 3^rd grade, “I AM GOING TO COLLEGE!” I also knew in her class that I wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in students’ lives as she had mine.  I often think of her and think, “How would Mrs. Crouch handle this?” 

Shirley & T.R. are my aunt and uncle.  They always had time for me and took me places with them and their daughter (who is only 6 months older than me).  I often tagged along on trips to the beach, mall, and park with them.  They lived across from me growing up, so I saw a lot of them.  Their influence continues in my life today.  They helped me become more confident and see good qualities in myself.

To all of you, thank you for taking time and investing in my life.  I am so thankful for your influence!