My Childhood Web

1. Donice Townsend (Mom):  My childhood was definitely not like most but there were some good memories.  My mom is the top person in my life that nurtured and loved me, even though I only lived with her part of my life.  My mom was heavy on drugs and could not take care of me and my siblings the way most parents should.  But I was never be mad at the decisions she made in her life because I loved her for the woman she was.  She taught me to be independent and strong willed and how to think on my own.  I learned never to back down and always aim for the best life has to offer.  She died when I was 17 of a brain tumor but even now she comes around (in my dreams) to check on me and talk with me about life.  The funny thing is I am just like her but I took her advice and learned from her mistakes so I made better choices in my life.

2. Lynn Townsend (Dad):  As a child I started out a daddies girl but that ended when he left our family when I was 7 years old.  He too had a drug problem and had a hard time making good choices but when he was around he made me feel most daddies make their daughters feel, like a princess.  My father was talented and I learned from him to never let my talents and skills go to waste.  He always considered me to be the special child as if he knew I would go on to achieve great things. I thank him for giving me his faith because knowing that he thought so highly of me made me want to do great things with my life.  He died when I was 14 of a drug overdose but he forever lives in my heart.

3. Mary Hill (Great Aunt): At the age of 12 I formally meant my favorite auntie and we have been extremely close ever since.  She is my grandmother's sister and of all her neices, she loves me the most! My aunt has been my number one fan since I can remember, always making sure I have nice things and encouraging me to be the best I can be.  She always tells me how beautiful and strong of a woman I am and she only sees happiness in my future.  I have grown to appreciate the talks that we have and the advice she gives me.  Even as an adult she still tells me how beautiful and smart I am and how proud of me she is and those are the words I cherish most because I still like to know that I am making her proud.

4: Yvette Boyd (aunt): My mom's sister who allowed me to live with her from ninth to twelveth grade.  Unfortunately our relationship was not a good one.  She never made me feel special or had encouraging words for me, I often even questioned if she loved me or just put up with me because I was her sister's child..   But the reason why this relationship is one that nurtured me is because even though she was totally against me it made me work twice as hard to prove her wrong.  Her negativity fueled my determination and independence to strive high and count on myself at a young age.  I love her because of that.

5: Mr. Stanley (high school music teacher): Of all my teachers growing up Mr. Stanley was the one who was like a father to me.  He made sure I was able to participate in school activities and he dedicated his personal time to making sure I was okay outside of school.  I was not the only child he took a liking too because 3 of my best friends were like he children also.  He was there to lend out advice and questioned our boyfriends of their intentions like most fathers.  He saw potential in me that most of my family ignored and he pushed me to live up to that potential.  It is people like him that made my lack of family support less traumatic because I felt loved regardless.