This is a picture is of my Grandparents. My mother was a single parent and worked quit often so I was left in the care of my grandparents. My grandmother taught me how to apply myself in all that I do. To enjoy doing it without complaint so that I can appreciate bigger and greater things to come. To simply be thankful for the little things in life. My grandfather taught me what it was like to have a male role model. One to love, respect and adore the lady of the house by appreciating my grandmother greatly. To accept nothing less that dignity and admiration when it comes to dating a man. In his own words, "Baby girl, I want you to marry someone who loves you more than you love them, because see; I love my pork chop (my grandmother) with all my heart! I want you to find that same love also!"
Ms. Diane Bailey, Mommy (The person without the hat)
This is a picture of my mother. I cannot express to the world enough how much this women means to me. I am truly thankful for her kind, pleasant and thoughtful disposition. Life was truly challenging for my mother to raise both my brother and I as a single parent. I was thankful that our immediate and extended family was there to assist. My mother raised us to respect education and to know that it's the key to success. "No matter what you would like to be in life just be the Doctor at it. Learn all it is to know and learn so that you can be a Master at your profession!" My mother worked overtime our entire life for my brother and I to be able to attend private school. She desired to provide us with a level of education that will equip us for the competitive world. She taught us to respect others in all that you do and never belittle anyone in life. We are to help, not hurt anyone who may be in need. Do good daily so that living won't be in vain. While working at the same law firm for 37years she went from being a paralegal to a Lawyer. I'm so thankful she decided to move to NC from NY to help my husband and I raise our children. The same way I was raised with my grandparents (a mesosystem) so will my children thanks to her.
Marie Saxon is the oldest daughter of my grandparents, my mother's oldest sister. She taught me about life and fairness. She raised me to know that family looks out for each other. If one was in trouble we all were in trouble. We were taught to be each other's protectors. She would drive to our house unplanned and tell me to "get in the car, we're going for a ride." She would unexpectedly drive to a sneaker shop to buy me new sneakers. "Whatever you want pick it out!" I told her I have no money and she'd say that's okay. "I'm buying them for you and don't pick the cheapest, I want to buy what you will enjoy wearing! I don't want to waste my money on something you don't want!" I would spend the night at my Aunt Marie's house and she would ask me, "Honey, what do you want for dinner?" I would think about it and say, Oh I wish we could have breakfast even though it's dinner time. My aunt told me "Well why can't we? This is not grandma's house. This is my house. Whatever you want we will have! Bacon and eggs is your favorite then bacon and eggs it is!" This let me know that there are others in life that care about you and would want you to have the best in life and be happy. Aunt Marie went out her way to make sure you have it even if its not standard protocol and normality for others.
Ferris Bailey(Brother in the plaid shirt)
My brother is someone I've known and loved my entire life. He's loving and supportive in all that I do. He tries to protect me from all bad in the world. For example, when it was time for me to date a young man they would have to go through him first and get the okay to date me before moving forward. If my brother had money so would I. If my brother is struggling I would never know it. When we had death in the family I remember him saying, "I wish I can take your pain away." He never wanted his little sister to hurt and I feel the same way about him.
Kevin Saxon is my first cousin. He's always supportive in any and everything pertaining to me. One unforgettable moment in my life was when I was diagnosed with type I brutal diabetes. My cousin Kevin and his wife came to my house and took me out. He explained to me the healthy way of eating while at a restaurant, what to order and not to order on a menu for my betterment. He took me shopping for new clothes and food that will substain me to keep my sugar from dropping. Another memorable moment was when he saw how tired I was when I drove to NY from NC and was too tired to get back on the road. My husband couldn't come with my mother, children and I because he had to work. Keven took off from work to drive us back to NC. We had two deaths of children from a fatal car accident and he said he didn't want to ever see another especially if he can help it. I mimic my whole being around his mother Marie Saxon and him. To help family and others for the better.
All the individuals mentioned above impacted my life and being for eternity. Unfortunately, My grandparents and aunt Marie has passed leaving me with only fond memories to recall every now and then. Today I feel like I'm a well-rounded individual because of them. I'm continuing to pursue my education, I have a loving husband and children that I'm trying to raise as was I.
