Personal Childhood Web

Eva Parks: Eva Parks was my grandma, she was my primary caregiver. She cared for me as I was her own daughter. Grandma had 13 children and lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I was the second oldest grandchild that lived with her. I was also by her side watching her do everything; it was fascinating to see her turn flour into bread, and a whole meal appear from next to nothing. Grandma was kind to me and my friends there was always enough for everyone; she used to say “if you can feed one you can feed two”. Everyone who entered her house was made to feel at home. She always encouraged me to reach high, and never give up. The love that I felt for her is too great to explain therefore I share the love that she gave to me with other children, this is why my day care center’s name is All My Children, and I treat them as I treat my children, with love.

Aunt Sarah: Sarah is my oldest aunt. She was the church’s music director, and she also cared for the elderly minister at the parsonage. Aunt Sarah was and still is an excellent cook and food presenter. I spent part of the summer with her that was equivalent to a vacation for me. I did not have to take care of my younger cousins, cook, and clean, or wash dishes. She set a formal table for each meal, and served me. She took me to formal luncheons and dinners, I loved it and I loved her as well. My aunt gave me piano lessons over the summer eventually my mother hired a piano teacher to give me lessons year round. She was my inspiration to open a catering business/restaurant, and the reason why I cater to my daycare children home made nutritious food and present it to them in a fine way. She is one of my most loved people in my life.

Mrs. Shauwande: Mrs. Shauwande was my junior high school music teacher. She was a tall strong black woman of strong Indian heritage. She was a former opera singer and a concert pianist, she was good and she knew it and we knew it. She delivered our school to three consecutive choral championships. We were the first NYC Junior High to preform Madam Butterfly. It was a wonderful three year experience. “Practice! Practice! Practice! Reach for the stars and never give up” were the words she bellowed over and over until graduation day. This has now become my mantra and because of the people in My Personal Childhood Web I continue to meet the challenge.