Personal Childhood Web

The five people who complete my childhood web are:

Edith - My maternal grandmother. As a child, she was the person who bathed, fed, and talked to me on a daily basis. She took me to church, taught me how to pray, and inspired me to achieve great things. She made me feel special by always believing in me and reminding me of how intelligent I was. Her influence impacts my present life because on the days that are truly dark and I feel like giving up or giving in to evil, I remember how she taught me to go to God and do what is right. Everything I do is for her and to continue to make her proud even though she is no longer with me in the physical.
Charles - My maternal grandfather. As a child he was the father who I could see everyday. My dad lived out of town and my grand daddy always made sure that I knew I was special and loved. He went out everyday and provided for our family, loved his wife and kids, and made a way out of no way. He made me feel special by making me feel like I was his only granddaughter when we were together. He took us to White Castles on Sundays as little girls and when we were teenagers we could find him at White Castles waiting to buy us whatever we wanted. He was a schoolbus driver and he loved the kids. His imfluence continues to impact my life because I developed the same love for the students I work with as he had. I learned to love them as they were my own from him. His love and pride in me makes me want to do better for myself and others whenever I can.
Patricia - This is my eldest aunt. There is not a day of my life from start to current that she has not been there for me. She was the first truly professional woman I knew. She traveled the world, owned several homes, and enjoyed the finer things in life from a humble perspective. She always made sure that I knew those things were possible through hard work. She took me in when my mother wasn't willing to care for me and sometimes just because I wanted to be with her. She is 100% selfless and goes to unbelievable measures to help anyone. She never had children of her own, but me and my siblings have always been just as much hers as our parents. She made me feel special by constantly telling me how smart, beautiful, and unique I was. She made me work hard when I didn't think I had to. Her persistence has made my life what it is today. She has never given up on me and has my back through the good and the bad. Her influence makes me strive to achieve more and give back to others because that's what she did.
Lewis - He was my middle school lband teacher. Mr. Patton was a teacher you stayed away from because he was known for being mean to the students. I usually saw him yelling at kids during breakfast and lunch. One morning he pulled me away from a group of girls and asked who I was. I mmediately started giving him attitude for the crowd and he told me that I was going to be in the band. I told him that I certainly was not. Long story short, I was for the next three years. He brought talents out of me I had no idea existed. He was impressed by my intelligence and natural ability to play several different instruments. He was the first teacher to see that I was acrting out because of my home life and cared enough to find out the specifics. He became the father I needed to be at my concerts, to praise my achievements, and to inspire me to straighten up regardless of my circumstances. He made me feel special by caring. I'd never had a teacher who put that much of himself into students. He continues to impact my life because I can see myself being that kind of teacher. He set a wonderful example!
T. Vaughn -  my pastor. I met this man when I was ten years old or so. He is one of the most honest, humble, and focused person I know. He has remained true to his word and his promise to God the entire time I've known him. He makes me feel special by taking a genuine interest in me, my children, and our well-being. As a child he helped me to figure out where and who I wanted to be. He made me understand that it was okay to change my mind and that if I fell down all I would need to do is get back up. 1
 He encourages me, believes in me, and constantly offers love and advice when I need it. He is a silent force and readily available whenever I need him. He continues to influence my life by setting an example for others to follow and be proud of.