-
Maternal Grandmother (June Cleaver. Digital Image. Patricia Johns Romance. (https://patriciajohnsromance.com/tag/1950s-housewife/)
My grandmother was the hardest working person I know. She raised 6 children, did not work outside of the home and never drove with a license. My grandmother watched me during the day as a child and her strong work ethic and drive to continue to better than the day before has been an inspiration in my life. Her life was simple, but happy. I chose this image of June Cleaver because my grandmother had a clean house and hot meal on the table everyday while still guiding and raising a family. -
Paternal Grandmother(Grandma with pie. Digital Image. She Knows. September 24, 2012. https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971347/when-grandparents-are-divorced)
As a child I spent hours with my grandmother in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, clearing dishes and preparing lunch for my grandfather who was farming. This time in the kitchen cooking, baking and talking are some of my most treasured moments. I was able to listen to stories of her childhood and share family recipes. Sweet rice, poppyseed rolls and coconut pies are just a few. This time allowed us to develop an unbreakable bond. This image shows the bond between grandmother and daughter. -
Closet is Open (A Straight Man’s Coming Out Story. Digital Image. Evole. April 27, 2013. https://evolequals.com/2013/04/27/a-straight-mans-coming-out-story/)
On a weekend visit home my brother told me he way gay. He was fearful my parents would not be accepting. I admire the bravery it took for my brother to open up about his life and his choices. In a small community it can be difficult to make these declarations. I look back at that conversation and realize just how close it has brought my family and made me much more aware of alternative lifestyles. This image shows no matter what his is and will always be my brother. -
Rest in Peace (Cross by the side of the road. Digital Image. A Grave Interest. August 15, 2014. http://agraveinterest.blogspot.com/2014/08/cross-by-side-of-road.html)
I was suppose to meet two of my close friends for a night out and was upset when they left without me. They were in an accident on their way home which claimed the life of one friend. For a long time I have carried guilt and heartache with me. I felt had I been with them maybe they wouldn't have been out or maybe I could have been injured or killed to. This event stays in my heart and I am reminded each day just how precious life is. This image is similar to a cross that stands for my friend. -
College Graduation (Graduation girl holding her diploma. Digital Image. University Health Services University of Michigan. https://uhs.umich.edu/alumni)
I was the first in my family to graduate college. I worked hard to pay my way through school. This event influenced me greatly. I not only felt this accomplishment for myself, but for my parents. They showed me hard work pays off. Although my path through college wasn't easy, wasn't given to me and at times felt unfair, it made me tough and realize just how much I can handle. This image reminded me of graduation and the pride I felt for myself. -
Child Protective Services (Couple in counseling. Digital Image. The Man, Tempations and Women. https://www.cheatinghusbandsecrets.com/counseling-a-cheating-husband.html)
I worked for CPS for 6 months. In this short time I was exposed to many homes and situations that I had once only imagined. I saw bad parents and good parents that made bad choices. During school visits with the children on my cases as I discovered I wanted to teach. I feel that this brief experience helped me to understand how home life is for some of my students and to make my classroom the best safe place they can be.This image reminded me of visiting with parents on my case load. -
First Day Teacher (First day of school. Digital Image. NaijaLoyal.Com. http://img.youtube.com/vi/1OryV5f7w-M/0.jpg)
I obtained my alternative certification for teaching. I can vividly remember my first day as a teacher. I was not near as prepared as I thought. Students of every walk of life filled my room and it was at that moment I realized just how influential my position was. Not all days are easy, not all days are good, but they are all worth it. 11 years and 1000 plus students later have taught me so much and made me the teacher I am now. The image looks like how I felt on the first day of of school. -
NICU (newborn ion incubator. Digital Image. Parents. https://assets.parents.com/s3fs-public/styles/nfp_1080_portrait/public/images/p_101727820.jpg?GCn3JKr.CTiFZp47_xkcifSKs7SUiU23)
My oldest child was born 5 weeks early. She was in the NICU for 5 days. I was released after 2. As a new mother this was very emotional for me. Leaving the hospital without my baby and in the care of strangers was difficult. After her stay in the NICU the nurses that were strangers became friends. This showed me that in life there are some situations I can't control. I valued their excellent care and love the nurses felt for my child. The image shows how tiny and fragile premies are. -
Kiss Kiss (Kissing kids on the lips. Digital Image. Modern Mom. https://www.modernmom.com/kissing-kids-on-the-lips-fine-or-not-102111.html)
My extended family is large and at gatherings everyone hugs and kisses upon arrival and leaving. I kissed my parents growing up. My husband and I kiss our girls. One morning dropping my daughter off at daycare a classmate thought it was gross when I kissed her goodbye.Until then I hadn't really thought about families not kissing and being affectionate as this has been a lifelong routine. It demonstrates our love for each other just as this photo does. -
Family/ Not Family Christmas Eve (Family Christmas. Digital Image. Best Ever Christmas. https://www.besteverchristmas.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/84/2017/10/shutterstock_455965297-640x480.jpg )
My parents best friends do not have children and have been like second parents to me since birth. We have celebrated Christmas Eve with them since before I was born. The festivities aren't fancy, but it is tradition. I have this dated 2017 as this is the most recent Christmas Eve. I get to now share these special people and time with my daughters. They love having bonus grandparents and the time spent as one big family/ not family. The image shows multiple generations celebrating just as we do.
