Relationships are what make us. They help us to create bonds with individuals and they help us build trust and develop the roles of people in your life. They shape and mode who you can be with that person. When the factors that serve to be most important are broken we have to learn to rebuild. Sometimes it's easier to be said then done, but if it's truly important those involved will fine ways to reconnect. My relationships I have encountered have aided my growth into adulthood and have softened my heart to believe in second chances, we don't always get things right the first time and sometimes it's simply takes a do over to be successful.
My Grandmother and I @ graduation May 2011
My Grandmother and I @ graduation May 2011
This picture is very special to me, because it is the last picture she and I took together. My grandmother passed away seven months later. She was very important to me and a huge influence in my life. One of my biggest fans and supporters. She was so proud that I decided to go away to college and follow my dreams and teach young children. In some small way I believe she felt like i was living out some of her dreams. I am often reflective of her and all she's taught me about life, love of family, and cooking. "you may not always get along with them(family) but you have to just love them" Some how any issue could be solved through a warm plate and hug.
My parents
This is a picture of myself, mom, and dad at college graduation.
Although growing up my parents did not live together. I was able to be surrounded by unconditional love. My mother has embodied all the characteristics of a woman that I continue to strive to be. She's strong in her abilities to overcome hardships and adversity. Never one to do things for the attention and or recognition of other; yet has a unbelievable passion for people and those she encounters. Our relationship is that of a positive one, we communicate often about me being younger. I love how our conversations have evolved to accommodate my being older. My father, our relationship hasn't always been a positive one. There was distance in between us for a long time, and some unresolved feelings of anger and trust plagued us. However, time was simply the best thing that happened for us; it allowed maturity to set in and communication to unfold which things aren't always perfect but i've learned to forgive and give people a chance.
I too am grateful for a second chance with my dad - long story short, we never had an extremely close relationship, but it was good until about my late teens or early twenties when he began to alienate everyone around him. Resentment and hurtfulness became the norm and for all intents and purposes I had no use for him in my life. Eventually, though, as you said time and maturity have the power to heal and we were able to reclaim at least civility and some level of love before his death.
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed to have had a grand mother in your life. My grandmother passed away when my mother was only 8 years old. I have no pictures or memories to cherish. I enjoyed reading your reflections.
ReplyDeleteHey Ebony (Love your name by the way)
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing you've received to have such close relationships with both you Grandmother and your mother. Older women pass down unbelievable wisdom, it's amazing what we are capable of. Thank you for sharing!