The few people that had a most certain impact on my life were related to me in some way.
My father had two girls, my sister and I. I do not necessarily think he wanted boys rather than girls, but girls is what he got and he loves us both very much. My father, the greatest man I have ever known, taught me that girls can do what ever boys can do...and better, while allowing me to be a girl. So I did! At a very young age he taught me archery and I have been shooting competitive archery for over thirty years now and have begun to enjoy hunting...with my dad. This is a picture of my dad and I at the Nationals for Archery in South Dakota...this was my dad's first national win. I am my father's daughter.
My mother was another great influence in my life. She gave me the strength and knowing that I can achieve anything I can dream up, if I want it enough. I believe this and continue to dream. My mother bestowed upon the invaluable gift of imagination, a rare gift these days and the love of books. Below is a picture of my mom from grade school.
Both of my grandmothers influenced who I am today and who I may become. They were both very strong minded women. Sometimes I feel that my grandfathers were the most amazing men for loving them. I spent an enormous amount of time with my grandmothers before I started school and many weekends after I started school. As I grew up, I continued to visit both my grandmothers on my own. I miss them both terribly and wonder if I would be a different person if they were still active in my life. I do know that I am still influenced my both my grandmother's teachings and am more caring in general because of them both.
My family in general has really shaped who I have become so far in life...no matter what the relationship has been, I am stronger for it.
My family is much like yours, my dad had only girls as well. He taught us to be self sufficient so that we could take care of ourselves as we got older. This advice keep me going after my daughter was born. I knew that I would be able to take care of both of us no matter what. Grandmothers are wonderful individuals they leave a long lasting impression on us.
ReplyDeleteI have a family like yours we are a family that stick together. Like you close with your father I am to we talk about anything. I spend most of my time with my aunt than my mom and dad. I really learned alot from her. My grandma showed me how to live in this world today and I really do miss her alot.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! On your father's win! It's nice to know that you have a wonderful relationship with him. You guys look like you were enjoying yourself in the picture. Archery for 30 years, that is true loyalty to your sport. I love it!
ReplyDeleteGrandparents are so important, they pass on tradition, morals, and have great stories! We are very fortunate for knowing our grandparents. Not everyone gets the opportunity to bond with the elders in their families.
I always forget how fortunate I have been to have known all of my grandparents, and that they were an influential part of my life for almost twenty years. Our elders give us so much in their stories and life experiences.
DeleteI too find that most of the people in my life that helped to mold and shape me into the person that I am today are my relatives. My grandmothers are the backbone to my family. They instilled those strong traits such as treat people how they want to be treated which will stay with me for an eternity.
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe we can learn something from everyone we interact with...whether it is something we want to keep with us or not is a whole other thing.
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