There are so many
factors that play a role in healthy relationships. In my life currently I only
keep a few select people close to me and each of these relationships is
completely different but all are meaningful to my life. Like anybody we have
all had our ups and downs in relationships which help to build on positive
relationships and the characteristics.
This is a picture of
my mom who passed away in 2010 and my daughter Zoe taken in Maui Hawaii in
2009. I was very close with my mom and shared everything. As a child growing up
my parents got divorced when I was very young so my mother and grandmother were
mainly the people I looked up to and built a strong relationship with. I never
was scared to tell my mom the truth if I did something wrong. I carry that
open-positive relationship on with my daughter. My mom was and still is my best
friend, she always told me the truth and gave me great advice without being
judgmental regardless if I wanted to hear it or not. As a young women growing
up she respect my decisions and choices that I made. She guided me in the
direction throughout life and still continues to do so from up above. With all
the stresses and situations that I have been encountering in the last couple
years my mother has always stopped me in my path and made me stop and think. My
mom also always took my brother and me to church so that we could have a
spiritual background.
My father and I have
a different kind of positive relationship. Growing up he was not active
physically in my life, but emotionally and financially he was always there. He
held me up too high standards and wanted to see me succeed. He instilled
morals and values and taught me a lot of life lessons to follow. He
protected me from the world. When I was young growing up I never understood
why he wasn't there physically at my sport events or choir concerts. Now
seeing his impact on the community as a big contributor that we live in and so many people love,
cherish, value the man that he is makes me know that his purpose in life made him be
the man he is today and I can accept that. Our relationship overtime has
grown tremendously. As a child I never felt that I can fully open up and share
my thoughts or ever question his reasoning. As women now I have grown to be
able to share my feelings thoughts and experiences with him, regardless of the
outcome. I will always be daddy's little girl.
This is a picture of Rucille (left)
my best friend from high school and my daughters God mom along with Erica
(right) my best friend from college and my daughter's other God mom. They each
hold a special place in my heart and I truly treasure our friendships. Erica is
my soul sister she brings so much positive, religious contributions and
wonderful morals and values to our relationship. She and her husband and
daughter live miles away in another state, so we do not see each other
often. Our relationship was hindered a little by situations that were
uncontrollable. I was not able to be in her wedding in 2010 because of my mom
being ill. But the minute my mom passed Erica and Rucille were on a plane
to Arizona. Rucille has been in my life since 1996 and my best friend and
sister since 1997. We both went to different colleges and live in
different states but always find a way to see each other and talk on the phone
weekly. She has been here through thick and thin. We both have been able to spend this current summer in our home town
and have cherished every moment. They both have been positive role model God
mommies in my daughter’s life and development. I respect and value them
for who they are and what they have contributed to mine and Zoe's life.
Growing up and being in the church I
had a personal relationship with God. After my mom’s passing and being hurt by
my church, and falling away from God I have realized that my relationships have
been effected because I am not complete without God in my life.
There are so many other positive
relationships and partnerships that I have made with my family, friends
from church, work and my business that have impacted my life
positively. Because I have people in my life from all different
backgrounds and cultures I have learned that each individual should never be
judged and always looked at as a unique individual. I carry that lesson with me
in my profession.
