`
My Aunt Thelma’s love for antiques and eye for them. Her sewing, refinishing and upholstery talents and ability to create something from nothing. Sean’s sense of humor and kindness. Sean’s sense of humor and kindness. Steven’s love for unusual and unique head-gear and questions. Sharon’s independence and bravery in what were situations so alien for me. The way my godparents cared for me and loved me as if I were their own. Keep an open mind as I grew up to cultures non-American and otherwise. Open my heart to other traditions and the struggles in other cultures that mirrored mine. Open my senses to flavors, smells and tastes without bias. To try all things presented and not be afraid to embrace those things. To create and explore my creativity without censure. Laid the groundwork for my raising my own family to continue the practice of “God-parenting.” Today I remember those things and more as I think of my “God-family”. Much more than tradition, much more than a gift, much more than a single blessing. Proverbs 22: 6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The way these things shaped me enabled me to:
It was on that day I first traveled the “Autobahn” for the first time. Uncle Chop and I were both speed demons! I blame him for every ticket I have gotten since then. He created my need for speed.
I stayed with the family for the entire summer. The things I remember;
Camping in Italy, Brussels, and Germany. Meeting people, at the various campsites and learning from them interesting facts and facets of varying cultures. My love for AUTHENTIC schnitzel, gummy bears, & German soda! My dislike for pizza made in Italy but LOVE for handmade pasta and paella! The Leaning Tower of Pisa really does lean! The tulip will ALWAYS be my favorite flower. My appreciation of sculpture from visiting the Masters in Italy. Learning firsthand how our armed forces live and their conditions on bases in other countries. Appreciating the relationships formed and the closeness of families in these situations. Learning my first curse word in another language….. Uncle Chop’s love for his command and the people under him. At the time he was developing a basketball league so that those under him would have an outlet for the various distractions presented by living in Germany at the time. He was proud of this league and his love of basketball was very much a part of his core.
My Husband Vernon and Me.
Me and Our Sons, Dustin and Drew
21
1
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker