Relationships Reflection

Relationships

As an only child, I have found that relationships are very important to me. I was told by my mother at an early age that I wouldn’t have any brothers and sisters so I would have to learn how to play by myself. (smile)  I played with the kids in my neighborhood and most of them had siblings.

I’m someone who values friendships and takes them very seriously. I think I’ve always felt this way because of the loneliness that I sometimes felt as a child. I loved going away during my summers so that I could spend time with my family. Below I have selected pictures of my family. They are people that I trust and have positive relationships with. 

Cousins

Cousins all grown up...

I once read somewhere that the first real relationships only children form are with their cousins.. Here is a picture of my cousins on my mother side of my family. This picture was taken in 1993. My grandparents are pictured with us. My family lives in Bermuda and I would go to visit them from the time I was 5 until I reached the age of 15. I can remember some fun times with all of them. Interestingly enough we are all only children in the picture with the exception of my cousin Monique in the red sweatshirt seated next to her brother Malcolm.

We had some of the best pillow fights and some of the biggest arguments. I don’t really talk to them much now and it’s really sad that the toxic relationships of our Mothers have influenced the positive relationships that we once had. 

My husband Brian

I met Brian in 1999 and we were married in 2001. We are born 3 years and 1 day apart. I love the idea of celebrating our birthdays for two days. I love the idea that we are husband and wife but we are really good friends. We are both very loyal to our friends and take friendships very seriously. We work as partners to help raise or children. 

Sydney and Jessica

I love being a mom and being able to enjoy watching my family grow-up right before my eyes. My relationship with my family is very important to me. I really try to spend quality time with them. When you’re an educator you spend time making sure that you educate the children in the community that you work in. As a Mom I feel like it’s important for me to show my girls that I care about their performance as well.

My Brother

My mother met Kyle’s mother 40 years ago and she became my Godmother. Jackie Williams, her family and son Kyle has always been a part of my life. I have never known a time in my life that I couldn’t call him. When I was growing up he would always take time to talk to me and I always felt safe when he was around. He has always referred to me as his “little sister”. This has always made me feel good because as an only child I always wanted to feel like I was part of something. Kyle and my other four brothers made me feel protected and loved. My kids refer to him as Uncle Kyle and there has never been an explanation of how we’re related. He was there for me when I was in college, when I got married, and when I had my children. I can talk to him about anything and everything. I’m so glad that he is a part of my family. This is a relationship that I trust and I value.