Words of Inspiration and Motivation

"Failure is just another way to learn how to do something right"

    -Marian Wright-Edelman, President, Founder Children's Defense Fund

"You were born God's original.  Try not to become someone's copy."

    -Marian Wright-Edelman, President, Founder Children's Defense Fund

"Part of being who you are has to do with feeling your feelings, which means you will have a wide range of emotions--not just constant sunshiny happiness."

    -Janet Gonzalez-Mena, Family-Centered Early Care Education     

"The moment I decided to follow instead of lead, I discovered the joys of becoming a part of a small child's world.      

    -Janet Gonzalez-Mena, Family-Centered Early Care Education 

 "There is a lack of family policy in this country, parents should have a choice."

    -Renatte M. Cooper, Program Specialist

     

My Childhood Web

Personal Childhood Web

Susan Brown (Mom):  My mother married at fourteen years of age.  She had six children.  I was child number four.    I love my mom.  My brother next to me was epileptic.  He had grand-mal seizures.  I can always remember being around when it happened.  My mom would always pray, asking God for a healing.  During these times of uncertainty she always made me feel safe.  After all the excitement had passed and my brother was home from the hospital she somehow made me feel special by including me in his recovery.  Through her loving nature I learned to have compassion for others and turn to prayer in time of crises.  Today my brother is free of seizures, serving in the Air Force reserves and preaching the gospel.  I attest this to the prayers of my mother.

Herman Brown (deceased):  My dad had the most influence over my life and still does.  He was the oldest son of seven children.  He often told a story of how he wanted to finish high school and join the military but could not because being the oldest son he had to help his father in the fields.  My father struggled with alcoholism and promiscuity in which he overcame both and became an awesome husband to my mother and a much better father.  My father always encouraged me to be strong, independent and to work hard. These values have contributed to a lot of my life’s success.  I truly thank my dad for this. 

Ms. Stephenson (Elementary School Teacher):  Ms. Stephenson was my first grade teacher.  She saw something in me that was special.  She is the first person I can recall giving me a hug.  I’m sure my mom gave me hugs when I was little but I just don’t remember.  My family was not real affectionate.  My parents allowed me spend a weekend with her.  It was so special because she had a bathroom.  At that time, I lived in a home without indoor plumbing.  On the last day of school Ms. Stephenson gave all the students a big hug as we walked out of her class.   She was a loving and kind teacher.

Joyce Garcia (childhood friend):  Joyce lived with her brother and grandmother.  We all belonged to the same church.  Everyday afterschool Joyce had to run errands for her grandmother.  I would always go with her.  We would walk to the store and post office.  Joyce and I would always talk about our plans for the future.  Joyce was a few years older than me but   she never did or said anything negative about my hopes and dreams even though they were very different from hers.  She told me I was smart, pretty and had a good singing voice.  She would always say she wished she could sing like me.  Joyce and I continued our friendship throughout adulthood until her untimely death.

Grandma Adeline:  Grandma took care of me whenever my mother worked or ran errands.  She was very soft spoken, a lot like my mother.  Grandma told wonderful stories about witches and ghosts.  She cooked awesome meals and I will never forget her biscuits.  They were good hot or cold.  There were times she would take me in the fields with her to work.  She taught me how to pull tobacco plants so I could earn money. She was always very patient with me.  I can never recall her yelling or raising her voice. She always wanted what was best for me.

Early Intervention

"There are only 2,000 days from the time a baby is born to when that child begins kindergarten.  During that time, 90% of critical brain development occurs.  Brains are built, not born.  The First  2000 Days.  Early investment a lifetime of results. "
Join this website for more information:
www.first2000days.org

More dollars need to be invested in Early Childhood to create more programs and to support the existing programs.  All children should have the same opportunity to grow into healthy productive citizens irregardless of their economical background.

A Touching Story

While having dinner with my family, my daughter was coughing due to having asthma.  My son, her six year old brother told her she needed to pray so God can heal her cough.  Suddenly, he placed both his hands together, bowed his head and softly ask God to heal his sisters cough.  This story really touched my heart and reminded me of the scripture in the Bible, Matthew 21:16 that says,"Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise."

What I love about Chika Chika Boom Boom

Chika Chika Boom Boom is one of my most favorite children stories.  It was written by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault.  Illustrated by Lois Elhert.

This book is a very fun and interactive way to teach young children their alphabets through rhythm.  The pages are very colorful.