Personal Childhood Web

I would like to dedicate this blog to my grandmother; Missouri Beatrice Cole (May 11,1922-Feb 15, 2006). She was the best! She would do anything for me. But don't get it twisted, she will put me in check when I needed to be. But she loved me dearly, even when I took her for granted. My parents weren't in the position to take care of me so she stepped up to the plate. Don't get me wrong, my aunt, Godmother and my cousins have been there for me but my grandmother was my backbone. When I needed to feel loved, she was nothing but a call away. For most of my life, she was nothing but a room away because I lived in her house (lol) but even when I didn't, that did not change anything. My grandmother didn't even graduate from high school, yet, she is the smartest woman I know. She was from Cecil (Montgomery), AL and she was 61 yrs old when I was born. So I had a "true grandmother". She always encouraged me to strive for the best. I remember when I was 7yrs, she told me in these exact words, "I knew when you were born that you were going to be the star of this family." "Really Bigma?" (that's what we called her). I was stunned for like 5 minutes after that. That was a lot for a 7yr old to take in and understand. But as I continue to go through life, I now see what she is talking about. I was the first woman in my family to graduate from college, not to mention, it was from a Big Ten school. (God is good!) And now it appears that I will be the first to get a Master's. I have many dreams and aspirations and from what I know and feel, they will come to pass. The list goes on and on when it comes to how much she has an impact on me. My family says the older I get, the more I look like her. I count it all a blessing. I truly believe that she lives through me and that I will be the next "Bigma" of the family. I have some big shoes to fill but I am ready for the challenge!

To my aunt Dolores: The "Diva" of the family. Girl I love you! Thank you for your love and support. You have been there for me as a child but I think I appreciate you more now as an adult. I must say that I got my fashion sense from you. You set the trend and I followed it. Your strength is amazing and I admire you so much. I am truly blessed to have an aunt like you...

To my Godmother Parada: You are a great listener and you have played a major part in my childhood. At times when I thought I was about to go crazy, you always brought me back to reality. You keep it real with me but you always encouraged me to do my very best. And when I feel defeated, you always show me otherwise. You have truly earned your title as "Godmother".

To My childhood friend Jessica: My "Ride or Die" homie lol. Childhood would not have been the same without you. You would always challenge me in SOMETHING and that has helped me tremendously. Now I love challenges. You used to dust me in running races...I want a rematch! lol But it is because of you that I always stay on my p's and q's. Thank you! 

Last but not least, my mom Beatrice: I know our relationship is very unique but I am thankful to have one with you period. Although things weren't perfect when I came into this world, you made sure I ended up in good hands. Despite of your shortcomings, you did your best. And that is all I can ask for. I remember you saying that you may not have been able to show my sisters and I the right things to do, but you showed us what NOT to do. But I must say that one thing you did teach us is how to hang in there. And I truly believe you gave me your strength. You clearly have an abundance of it! I love you dearly...