Personal Childhood Web

Grandfather-Reny Textus

I was a papa's girl. As a young child I grew up in Trinidad and he was always there for me. He was retired and his life revolved around me. He took me to school every day, he came to any event that I had, he spent time with me like a father should of. He always told me I had a gift of love, and that is what I think fuels my passion for children. My papa never turned a hungry man away, and to this day if someone tells me they have no money for food I will provide for them.

                                            On the beach in Trinidad when I went for a visit

Papa, Tyler, and I in 2006

Grandmother-Lonia Textus

My grandmother and grandfather have been married since they was 18, so they was very much in love. My grandmother was focused on my education and wouldn't let me sit on the job. She knew I could do anything that I put my head too, and she told me that every chance she got. I remember she used to make me special treats when I finished reading a book (ice cream, cake, comb my hair in a fancy way, etc.) Family is first is what she always said, and to this day I follow her belief. I just pray that my husband and I will a happy marriage for as long as they did.

                                                  The last picture I have with my grandparents

Mother-Jillian Tucker

My mother is my rock and my role model. She came to the United States at a young age, alone, and learned from her mistakes. In my younger years even though I was not physically living with her until the age of 8, she made sure that I was able to experience different things. I went to the best schools, different trips, and had everything that I wanted. As a young girl she wanted me to know that I didn't need to depend on anyone but myself. My mother made it possible for to me dream. She is a fighter- she overcame cancer, financial obsticles, and the reputation that she wasn't going to amount to anything becasue she divorced her husband. The number one thing I learned and practice from my mother is to never give up on my dreams.

                                            My beautiful mother enjoying the sun

                       My mom and Andrew (my youngest son) infront of her first home

                        That was her dream!!!!