Inspiration

Once I became a mother the passion to serve children multiplied.  My greatest blessings are my precious 3 boys.  They have indeed taught me in my life.  

The world of a child is a journey of discovery.  Every adventure and experience is an unknown, opening a new wonder.

Making a positive impact or imprint on a child's life is vital for their development and a healthy adulthood.  Experience leaves an impression on a child's brain develop.

Testing Children

            When the term or thought of testing a child’s intelligence or development is expressed, I get a bit reserved.  I refer to the testing I completed as a child and the testing my children are now encountering at school have changed a bit.  The main goal is still the same, to evaluate the intelligence of a child.  Where the child stood in the standards of mathematics and writing/English/language by requiring each child to participate in a yearly test.  Again, this test was to measure the academic comprehension as a student, young child.  Honestly, I have always been curious as to whom truly makes those standards?  Do these tests consider the child as an individual, a unique child?  I also think of the forms the pediatrician hands out at well-child visits, asking questions to where you felt your child was in development for the age of their visit.  I truly grasp the need to monitor the development and progress of children as they grow throughout their years.  Understanding that the individuals involved in evaluating these test and questionnaires are educated and experienced, we still must consider every aspect of the child in evaluating and testing.  As we find a discrepancy between the state testing and national testing in regard to the proficiency of a child’s academic progress.  “For example in the state of New York, states found 62 percent proficient in math, but the NAEP found only 32 percent; 51 were found proficient in reading on the state tests but only 35 percent according to NAEP” (Berger, 2015, p. 399).  Thereforth to me this information simple states that many aspects of children are being missed.  A child’s development in life roots from the diversity of who the child is.  For example we must consider the child’s culture, biology, attachment and nurture, family unit, socioeconomic status, and more.  These factors contribute to how a child learns and experiences life.  If a child comes from parents that are highly educated and read daily, promoting their child the same academic enrichment, but yet is cold, harsh, limited affection if any, limiting child to play and social interaction.  Does this child develop a healthy life?  The likely chance that this child will suffer emotional and social is high.  How do we measure one’s emotions and social development?  Approaching the reality that a child’s development is diverse and should be approached in considering every aspect of the child, a holistic approach.  Considering the healthiest life is a life that has developed healthy in every aspects of its life, socially, academically, physically, mentally, and more.  Back to the example as mentioned above with parents that were cold and reserved the child of social interaction.  Could we consider this child developmentally healthy, even after passing an academic assessment?  Will he develop proper social skills and contribute back as an adult?    

            With all the thoughts above and the realization that development is a diverse aspect, academic testing should not be limited to one style or type of test.  Many considerations should take into play, for example the concept of multiple intelligences.  As we are aware every child has different intellectual abilities.  A child also has different learning skills.  These are a set of hypotheses the child explorers with or approaches a task, such as: visual learning, auditory learning, reflective learning, impulsive learning, musically and more.  Thereforth much greater consideration should be made in evaluating a child’s development.  A holistic approach of the whole child should be considered.  Just as a teacher should adapt to the individual needs of the child in teaching.  Providing different content and engaging the senses the child has, can contribute to the child demonstrating their knowledge and skills. (2013, March 8, Edutopia).

            In other nations the measurement of academics is not necessary consider just math and English.  Based on the geographic area will depend on the values of life’s traits or skills.  The education practice many be different from the US.  Not to mention the courses an individual may take, as well as required amounts of school work.  In some parts of the world education is a luxury, not a requirement.  For those that have the privilege to engage in school, the activities and course will vary per location.  “For example, the average child in a primary school in Spain spends twice as much time studying science as does the average child in Italy” (Berger, 2015, p.393).  the fact is that we as a community should come together to observe the development and growth of our children, but should we classify a percentage with a test, no.  Unless a child’s entire development from a holistic aspect is not used in evaluating the child, then there should not be an evaluation performed. 

Reference:

Berger, K. (2015). The developing person through childhood (7^th ed.). New York, NY: Worth     Publishers.

March 8, 2013. Multiple intelligences: What does the research say? Edutopia.

Retrieved from:  https://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-research                

Stressors: loss of a parent

Stressors are indeed a contributor to the development of a human being.  Early exposure to stressors can create either problems for the child or help the child development.  As healthy stress is needed for proper development of the brain.  Engaging the fight or flight response of their brain, creating proper use of this natural response.  With that being said, we are hard-wired to cope with certain stressors and adversities.  We are not designed to cope with an overload of stress, which can and will lead to health concerns, as well as development.  I have decided to refer to the reality of a crisis, which has a broad mean.  The crisis I will refer to will be the loss of a mother or father as a child is younger in age, still dependent on their parent.  The loss of a parent for a child can be devastating, creating many unanswered questions.  I was only 4 months away from being 7 years old when my mother died from battling cancer.  She put up a very long fight for years.  She was indeed a tough role model for anyone to follow.  She never lost her faith and always remained positive for her 3 little girls.  Each of us, my 2 sisters and self, responded differently to this stressor or crisis to say.  Based on the child’s age, environment, family unit, and more will determine how the child copes.  As for me I can remember seeing my mother weak and trying to take care of her 3 girls.  I remember the day we view her body in the casket and waiting her to just wake up.  I recall the many times as a girl, young lady, and as an adult now the times I could have truly used her support or advice.  This tragic event left an embedded imprint ono the development of my brain.  Thereforth creating a degree of mental health problems.  With proper coping and support, a child can overcome many diversities and stressors, but when one of these areas are weak or broken it makes a life-long impact on their life.  Of course in every situation of development we must remember the reality each child is an individual, unique in their own way.  “Personality traits, such as neuroticism, introversion, and prior mental disorders, also increase the risk for developing PTSD (Van der Kolk, McFarlane, & Weisaeth, 2007, p.86).  A child’s attachment throughout life is established with their mother, father, siblings, and immediate family members.  Change or lose of one of these can be detrimental to some children.  We must have a support for those in this situation, no matter the child’s socioeconomic status or culture.    

            When relating to my situation verses those children in Africa, I truly benefited a bit more than they did.  The reality that the epidemic of children being orphans is growing tremendously in Africa.  It is hard regardless to lose a parent, but these children have little to no support from other family unit.  Struggling to support siblings the oldest child will bear in poverty.  “Neither words or statics can adequately capture the human tragedy of children grieving for dying or dead parents, stigmatized by society through association with HIV/AIDS, plunged into economic crisis and insecurity by their parents’ death and struggling without services or support systems in impoverished communities” (UNICEF, 1999, p.3).  As medicine is improving and knowledge is being gained, the reality is still it cost to produce, dispense, and deliver the medication to these sick parents.  The cost continues to grow with their disease.  The reality is that these children need support to keep this epidemic from creating a crisis. 

References:

UNICEF, (1999, December). Children orphaned by AIDS: Front-line responses from eastern and southern Africa.  Retrieved from:          https://www.unicef.org/publications/files/pub_aids_en.pdf.

Van Der Kolk, B., McFarlane, A., & Weisaeth, L. (2007). Traumatic Stress: The effects of            overwhelming experience on mind, body, and society.    

   

Mental Healh in Mothers/Parents

Mental health of parents is vital in the development of themselves, as well as the children in their care.  If children are sponges to their environment, then the aim of every parent should be to prompt healthy development.  I feel most parents truly strive to be a positive influence and role model for their children, but life happens.  In everyone there at some point comes stressors, or situations that contribute to stress.  As a parent myself, I have found it easy to be frustrated and its recoil is sometimes turn toward the kids.  Have you ever had a day where it seemed everything you touch fell apart, or anything you were engaged with just did not go a planned?  Life comes in many of these shades and we as adults have to be able to manage them appropriately.  We have to realize we have eyes and ears constantly soaking up or actions and demeanor.  As any parent the introduction of a baby is very rewarding but very nerve racking as well.  I remember the fear I had being a new mom.  I thought, how am I even going to put his clothes on without hurting him.  So tiny and so precious.  I did not have the first clue.  Besides the stress of the unknown with a new baby, the beginning mentality of the parents are vital.  Does the parents currently struggle with depression or any other mental health concerns, as there is an abundance of mental diseases.  For anyone with mental health problems it can be a struggle to get through daily functions, especially with another outside stressors.  The point is that parents with mental illnesses can contribute to how a child develops holistically.  If there is already an error in a parent’s DNA, we have to question whether this error was inherited by the child.  Will the child have similar traits?  All of these factors will paly apart in how we approach the vitalness of parent influence, attachment.  Parents and families contribute to an abundant amount of influence in a child’s life and throughout their life span.

Referring to a recent article based on the mental health of parents in Australia with children with disabilities, provided by Australian Government in August  22, 2012 (Burke-Taylor, 2012) creates great light into the stressors of life and the impacts it can make on a life of more than the one suffering from the disability.  Not only are the children with disabilities facing challenges in their own world, such as socially, school, learning, and more, but he family members as well.  Mother’s face many challenges related to their child’s disability.  The disability itself comes with health concerns from physical health and mental health of their child, cost of medical insurance, copays, coinsurances, etc, limitations with insurance, and more.  These are stressors the mother or parent has to focus on, which in hand contributes to its own line of stressors.  Then we must consider the changes in one’s life to accommodate the disability such as special routines, specific schedules with medical providers, and more.  Lastly the look into the mental health of the mother.  As we understand mothers are usually the prime nurturing source for the child.  Even though many fathers contribute to caregiving, the mother-child attachment begins in fetus.  With proper support and programs now available parents can receive support as needed to maintain over-all healthy life in order to be an adequate caregiver for a disabled child.  (Burke-Taylor, 2012).  Many mothers, as I have experienced, we put ourselves last compared to our children.  “Therefore, it is up to professionals who are engaged with families who are raising a child with a disability to play a key role advocating for pathways and services that assist mothers with mental health condition” (Bourke-Taylor, 2012, para. 7). 

In other words, life indeed has many stressors we can not see until we step into another’s shoes.  As an advocate for children and families, as well as a member of a community, one must join together and not judge the other, but support and lift one another up.  I know from my experience as a mother, there is no proper handbook.  Life happens, children have individual minds and we must remain open to any situation that may cause distress to our children or ourselves.  I have eaten the famous words “my child won’t do that,” many times.  We must remain positive, supportive, open, and loving in the life of our self and a child.  The mind is a very complex being that we are learning more about every day.  With what is current we know that development is dynamic and needs enrichment to strive for healthy development.  

Reference:

Bourke-Taylor, H. (2012, August 22). The mental health of mothers of school-aged children        with disability. Australian Government: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

My birthing experience

            I would like to share my experience with my latest birth of my son.  I am currently a mother of three boys.  My first was about eleven years ago, then my middle five years ago, and now my latest was only three moths ago.  I will touch on the previous deliveries only because they were significantly different.  Due to my first delivery having to be an emergency cesarean, my odds of repeating the procedure was rather high.  Of course, my age was different with each child.  Which would contribute to my maturity level and the ability for my body to recover.  From the first delivery to the last the support for pregnant women has truly improved and gained great knowledge to support healthy development.  I feel now hospitals and doctors promote nurture and attachment sooner, then in previous years.  I can remember the nervousness was no different with either delivery.  Being a scheduled c-section, we knew the exact day and time.  Understanding the complications and knowing the odds did increase to a level of anxiety for me.   Having this knowledge at every delivery created stress and keep me from getting enough rest the night before entering the hospital.  Just as my previous deliveries family and friends gathered in the waiting room to celebrate his arrival.  With the new policy enforced in the hospitals, my son came immediately to me once he was examined.  Once everything checkout with fine and healthy he was placed in his father’s hands and brought to my chest.  Due to the nature of my delivery I was not able to hold him until I was in recovery.  Due to the amount of scar tissue from my last two caesareans, the time to suture me together was a bit longer than anticipated.  Nevertheless I remember the nurses being eager for him to join me.  Referring to my last two deliveries, it was totally different.  My first son the nurse offered to keep him in the nursey until I got some rest.  There was a delay on the attachment with my oldest son to say.  My middle child was a bit different with a stronger support for lactation and he was brought to the room while in recovery, but no support or guidance on skin-to-skin contact.  Personally, I would have to say my last delivery was the best for healthier development.  Mother-baby attachment is enforced stronger and the support for lactation is promoted.  At this last delivery there is not a nursey for healthy infants.  They must go to the room with the mother.  I truly appreciate the attempts to create an instant attachment to the mother as this is vital for a child to thrive.  Even though the mothers, as I was completely exhausted, the support to help one rest and receive help is ample.  Nurses, volunteers, and interns are willing to watch the infant for and hour to two to allow some time to rest.  As rest is vital for the mother, from every aspect.  

            I chose to research the birthing options available for women in Australia.  From the article I read it appears that the women from Australia have very similar options as women in the United States of America for delivering their babies.  Of course as in American there are similar environmental influences on the mother and fetus, such as socioeconomics, health concerns, genetics, and more.  Nevertheless, the available birthing options are as followed: Public and private hospitals, birth centre, or at home.  Of course insurance is a contributor in which choices some women make.  Per the policies in Australia in insurance and medical procedures there is a degree of differences.  For example, in public hospital the option for c-section is not allowed unless medically needed.  Another example would be the use of Birth Centre, this procedure is covered by Medicare and is free.  Of course private midwifes and doctors charge and can be file with insurance.  It is apparent that the options are similar in American, but due to hospital polices and those of insurance providers, there are limitations on the choice of delivery.  American can also be said to have policies through insurance and the hospitals.  These policies differ from region to region.  (2018, McCulloch).

            Birthing experiences indeed vary from region to region.  Many factors can contribute to how a baby is born.  For example, as I mentioned above my first child ended up being an emergency c-section.  Thankfully in American that is a possibility.  For the regions that have improved health care the focus on development of the baby should always focus at the starting of prenatal care.  Then the next focus of development should be after delivery and the impact of skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and attachment to mother.  These focuses can allow an infant to strive in development.

Reference:

            McCulloch, S., (2018, June 5).  Birth options in Australia: public, private, birth centre or home.  Retrieved November 2, 2018 from https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/australia-public-private-birth-centre-home/

Three ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful to me

Ethical Responsibilities to Children: Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment, NAEYC (2005).  Including their significant to myself.

1.       To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.

·         Every child is unique in their own individual way.  We are molded in the likes of God and even though every human design is the same, the person is different.  They have their own personal gifts and traits.  They are designed to serve a person one day.  We are to help mold that journey.  Prepare the child and nurture their development.

2.       To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.

·         In the famous African Proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” has great weight in this matter.  No one individual can adequately provide every need a child must have in proper development through their life span.  It takes many faucets of support for a child to blossom to their true potential in life.  Opening avenues for children and families in the community, so that may receive some form of assistance if necessary.  Whether a family or child needs assistance, the knowledge of availability for future references is a great asset.

3.       To ensure that each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program.

·         This is indeed a very touchy subject to some people.  Society today, in my opinion has opened the door to many fab cultures.  In this respect I feel that limitations should exist, such as:  any beliefs or culture that can contribute to hate, any belief or culture that can contribute to harm to oneself or others, etc.  In means of supporting a diverse range of culture with positive influence, as well as language, ethnicity, or family structure, support and opportunities to express these diversities should be consider and incorporated.  Not only can one support the child and family’s personal culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure; but one can educate others of the wonderful diversity amongst our society. 

Code of Ethics: DEC (2009).

1.       We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.

·         This is vital in the field of early childhood education or any early childhood field.  A child’s voice and right are imperative.  They are a person as well.  With child appropriate decisions, they should be involved in their life.  Every child is unique in their own way and should be appreciated for who they are.

2.       We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work.

·         My philosophy in life is “honest it the best policy.”  Using appropriate words and developmentally appropriate approach, every person has the right to know the truth in every situation.  No matter how difficult a situation, the easiest avenue is facing facts.

3.       We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children.

·         Information is knowledge and every individual has a right to knowledge.  We need knowledge to grow in life.  We as professionals in the early childhood field, must vow to increase our personal and professional knowledge.  Ensuring the best support and research for children and families.  Making any gained knowledge or resource available to children, families, and communities.

References:

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. http://www.naeyc.org/files/nayc/files/position/PSETH05.pdf

               

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of Ethics. http:www.dec.sped.org/

Course Resources

 Course resources and additional resources to help anyone in the field of Early Childhood.

Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/

Association for Childhood Education International

http://acei.org/

           

Berger, K. (2011).  The developing person through the life span. New York, NY:Worth. 

Center for Child Care Workforce

http://www.ccw.org/

Children's Defense Fund

http://www.childrensdefense.org/

            Clinton, T. & Sibcy, G. (2006).  Loving your child too much. Nashville, TN:Thomas Nelson.

Council for Exceptional Children

http://www.cec.sped.org/

FPG Child Development Institute

http://www.fpg.unc.edu/

FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). http://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf

 

Harvard Education Letter

http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85

HighScope

http://www.highscope.org/

            Institute for Women's Policy Research

http://www.iwpr.org/

            NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap

           

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention.  http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf

           

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness.  http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf

           

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf

           

NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary.  http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf

NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap

NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8.  http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf

National Association for the Education of Young Children

http://www.naeyc.org/

National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education

http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/

National Child Care Association

http://www.nccanet.org/

National Institute for Early Education Research

http://nieer.org/

            Papalia, D. & Feldman, R. (2011). A child’s world: Infancy through adolescence. New York, NY:McGraw-Hill.

Pre[K]Now

http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067

The Division for Early Childhood

http://www.dec-sped.org/

The Erikson Institute

http://www.erikson.edu/

Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.

UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf

Voices for America's Children

http://www.voices.org/

WESTED

http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm

World Forum Foundation

https://worldforumfoundation.org/about-us

World Organization for Early Childhood Education

http://www.omep-usnc.org/

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller

Inspirational Quotes

"We must be the compassion we wish to see in others."

"The moment I decide to follow instead of lead.  I discovered the joys of becoming part of a small child's world."

-Janet Gonzalez-Mena



"There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves."

"We must open the doors of opportunity.  But we must also equip our people to walk through those doors."

-President Lyndon B. Johnson




"Built in passion that is was important to make a contribution to the world.  To fix all injustice in the world."

-Louise Derman-Sparks


"It's not about you, you have to take your ego out of it and think about what is best for the child and you help them transition."

-Penatta M. Cooper


Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The passion for early childhood.

Personal Childhood Web

This is my childhood web.  People whom impacted my life as a child and still to this day.  These are the people who helped mold me, instilled values and traditions and more in my life.  Who show me love and compassion.  

  This is my grandmother, or as I would call her my granny.  She is my paternal grandmother and has indeed made a major impact in my life.  Our relationship was very close, especially the older I became.  When my mother past away she stepped in as a mother-role for me and my sisters.  She was more of a mother to me in my life, due to my age when losing my mother.  I thank her for so many things: loving me, understanding me, helping me, supporting me, caring, feeding me, clothing me, redirecting me, guidance, and many more things.  Her vow to my mother to take care of us girls remained strong until the day she died.  I miss her terribly.  She was always a phone call away.  Even after her passing she still makes an impact on my life.  I strive to do the things I know she would want me to do, such as: advance myself academically, professionally, and spiritually.  She would always talk about morals and characters, and living the right life.  I hold those values dear and strive to instill those in my children.  I have many great memories of her that I hold dear to my heart.  I can recall times I would help her cook, the family coming together every Sunday after church.  To go back to some of those days would be great.  I talk about her to my kids now.  My middle son put the biggest smile on my face one day.  He made a comment about a tomato I was cutting.  He said “Granny loved tomatoes didn’t she mama.”  My heart grew.  These small details of my memories, were also become part of my kids lives.  Family was important to my granny.  I try to value it as much as she did.

 My beautiful mother.  I was 4 months shy of being 7 years old when my mother past away.  I think for any child that is extremely difficult, losing a parent no matter the age.  Even though I do not have many memories of my mother, I know she made an impact on my life during those 7 years.  She was a teacher at the preschool I attended for a while.  Then she was at home, after school she would be there.  I remember snacks she would have for us.  My favorite carrots or celery with peanut butter.  I also remember when she would make us eat brussels sprouts.  I find it very funny how I hated them as a child, she even caught me throwing some away in the trashcan one night.  Yet today I love them, especially roasted.  My mother was a nurturing woman.  She loved kids, helping others, and making people happy.  Based on my experience and the testimonies of others, I know she made a huge impact on my life.  Don’t get me wrong there are many things I missed out on without having my mother, such as: becoming a woman, my first boy crush, my first break-up, cheering, prom, and more.  I will always have questions of who she was, because I had such little time with her.  I am fortunate enough to have some videos of the family, as well as phots.  I actually have my 5^th birthday party on video.  I hear her call me ladybug, I guess that is why I love ladybugs.  Knowing how kind-heart and loving my mother was, allowed me to strive to be like her.  To even try to make the choices I think she would want me to make throughout life.  To this day I still carry this ambition and desire.  I pray to see her one day and I want her to be proud of me.

  My father and 2 of my boys.  I would have to say that my father has made the most impact on my life, due to the events that transpired in my life.  As an adult it is easier to see the impact that someone has made on your life.  My father raised 3 girls as a single parent for about 8 years.  Providing a needs for a home.  My father is and always has been a hard working individual.  Always staying busy.  I have an abundance of memories of my father.  Many relate to the sport I love, softball.  He was my coach for many years.  We would travel and play ball.  At one time I played for 4 teams.  Those were great days that taught me the importance of a team, a unit.  I would say that my father’s hard-work ethics still makes an impact on my life today.  Always trying to better yourself.

This is my oldest sister.  I would have to say that my sister made a great impact on my childhood, and still does today.  As the older sister, she stepped in as mother role or leadership.  Possibly why she is extremely good at leading and executing.  From helping out during the school years and the diverse peers we encounter as teenagers, she has always been there for me.  She has a genuine heart of gold and strives to help in difficult times.  I can not tell you the amount of times I have cried to her.  Do not get me wrong, as any other siblings growing up we indeed had our share of battles.  No matter what, as my granny would tell us, family is all you have.  Us, 3 sisters had each other to count on and support.  To this day she is one of the very first to know anything that is transpiring in my life.  She is not just a sister, she is a friend.  Someone you can count on.  Someone you can laugh, cry, and scream with forever.  As our kids grow up together, we strive to keep our families close; just as granny would want us to.

 My sisters, as seen above my oldest is on the left and youngest is on the right.  Even though she is my youngest sister she still has made an impact on my life, even as a child.  Though we had our older sister, I still strived to help my younger sister growing up and today.  She too has a heart of gold.  Her kindness is a trait I admire.  I have many memories of us as children playing together, and of course being mischievous together.  Today she still impacts my life in a great deal.  She has had a road that some will never see and has held her head high.  No matter her struggles her true golden heart is there.  She will always help someone out in a time of need.   

A Little About My Passion

I have a strong passion to serve children of our world.  I feel we all have a particular gift that we were made to do, and children is my gift.  As an adult now, whom had obstacles in their childhood, currently can see the vital need for proper development and encouragement during childhood.  Children are innocent and are molded by the adults and environment they are surrounded by.  Thereforth it is the adults that are responsible to ensure proper guidance.  There are too many broken families that are creating broken adults.  I feel regardless of one’s family unit, a child must still be guided in proper development.  It takes more than one person to raise a child, it takes an entire village.  The vital years are of the early years, we create a foundation during those years that guide us in our future.  The experience of my early childhood has led to my desire and passion to serve the children of our community and more.  I hope we all can look back on those experiences and see where we can make an impact on a child’s life.  

“Every day in a hundred small ways our children ask, ‘Do you see me?  Do you hear me?  Do I matter?’ Their behaviors often reflects our response.” L. R. Knost

“The childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day” John Milton

This drawing created by a child stands out greatly to me.  I admire the union it shares with the viewer, as well as the colors.  It is the colors of fall, when we see a great change in the view outside.  The apples on the tree remind me of how fruitful life can be, how abundant our blessing can be, and how thankful we should be in life.  The diverse hues of people enrich the union of human beings.  I find this drawing to create a great passion of appreciation and kindness.