I dont know if i have ever mentioned this before but when i was about 10 yrs old I started being a "fathers helper/babysitter" to a neighbor who was taking care of his exwife's 4 children. The mother was a drug addict/alcoholic who was in and out of rehab and abusive towards the kids when she was home. From 10 yrs old I was caring for 4 children so the father could spend a majority of his free time working on cars for money to support the kids. There was a 6 month old preemie and a 1,4 & 6 year old. I spent a good portion of my childhood/teen years going over to help the family, tutoring the kids, teaching them gymnastics, taekwondo, putting on little plays, doing arts and crafts, feeding the babies teaching them to walk,talk, etc. They had a really rough life & their mother died of HIV when they were just kids so i had basically become a 2nd mother to them. Even to this day they call me their big sister.
I just talked to the oldest of the girls and found out this is her last semester in college and she's graduating with her bachelors degree in may! I'm soooooo proud! Just makes me so happy bc i remember all those years i would help her with homework, school projects & study for tests. I'm so glad she grew up to be a smart young woman and instead of using the hardships in her life as an excuse she turned them into positive energy to be a better person.
Re: Proud Sister
that's so great, pammy!
those kids are very lucky to have you as thier 'big sister'.
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that's SO great!
good job, pam.
I have chills reading this. Pammy that's so wonderful that you took out the time as a teenager to help others. How wonderful. It does take a village to raise a child and the hard work pays off. Good for you big sis!
It sounds like you were a great influence on them. They could have so easily gone down a different path. They're lucky to have you and such a s supportive father in their lives.
You're going to be such a wonderful mom.
thanks ladies
I feel just as lucky to have had them in my life, it made me realize what kind of mom I wanted to be when i grew up. I saw a lot of horrible things when their mom was home from rehab and I can tell you I will let anyone hurt or deprive a child like that.