Personal Childhood Web

Mary Spruce

My sweet momma. This woman can only be described as amazing.  My mom raised six of us (four boys and two girls), on her own. In feats of absolute greatness, my mom made sure, every single day, that we had all that we needed. Seriously, this woman should be nominated for sainthood. We did not have a lot, but somehow, someway, my mom managed to have new clothes for the first day of school, boxes of our favorite cereal in the cupboard, presents under the Christmas tree, and a clean and safe home. Being one of six in a single parent home, we were required to take care of each other. We were expected to contribute to the household. We were pushed to take charge of our lives. I think that because of my mom’s overwhelming and endless commitment to her children, I have and will continue to be a better person. Knowing all that my mom has accomplished and what she was capable of doing, means that if I am half of what she is, I will have success.

The Bisbee Family

Kelly Bisbee was my BEST friend throughout high school and college. She was the kind of friend that it is almost impossible to breathe without them next to you. As a result of this intense friendship, Kelly’s family took me under their wing.  I would ride with the Bisbees to school, go to their house after school for snacks and homework. They made a space for me at the dinner table almost every night and a place for me to sleep during the weekends. My home life during this period was very unsettled and the Bisbees made sure to let me know that I was loved, cared for, listened to, and respected. They became my home away from home. They filled in the gaps that I so desperately needed filled during that time.

Cousin Alicia

Although Alicia isn’t actually a true cousin, we could not describe our relationship any other way. My uncle would fly me, and only me, each summer to Maine to spend my vacation with Alicia. The minute the two of us were introduced, we became two peas in a pod. We would lay on the boat dock for hours talking about all the things we would do when we were 22, we would spend hours in town hunting for boyfriends, and would giggle together in our bedroom until the early morning hours. Alicia was not only a close cousin, but also someone who provided me with new experiences and opportunities. Alicia and I went to my first musical together, she taught me how to pluck my eyebrows, she showed me where to find the most delicious blueberries, she went with me down my first water slide, and much more.  Those summers in Maine hold some of the greatest memories and experiences of my life and I am so thankful that it was Alica who helped provide all of that for me.

Brother Rick

My ridiculous older brother. I adore this guy more than I can explain. Rick and I share a bond that is deeper than any other connection I have.  Rick and I have experienced a lot together. Being his younger sister, I looked up to him and spent most of my life in awe of him – even if he wasn’t the greatest of influences. Rick ended up walking a tough road for many years of his life.  It was hard to see Rick’s life getting back on track – he was so lost and so angry. I did as much as I could during this time to show him that he was loved and needed. Eventually, Rick turned his life around and has become such an incredible person and role model. He continues to be someone who I look up to, ask for advice, seek affirmation from, and look forward to spending time together.

Uncle Murray

My dear, kind, giving, gentle uncle. My dad (Murray’s brother) died when I was five. Because of the loss of my father, my mom, brothers, and sister had a huge shift in our family – who was going to fill the shoes of our dad? Who was going to be the father figure in our lives? Uncle Murray immediately filled this role in our family. Although Uncle Murray lives across the country, has three girls of his own, he managed to guide, support, and love us as we grew up.  My uncle made sure that we knew we were not alone. He worked hard to give to us as a father would. Even to this day, Uncle Murray checks in with us to make sure we are all on track and doing good things. He makes sure that we know that we are a part of a family and that he will never let that connection go.