My name is Gloria, and I am 20 years old. I have a pretty big family, and we're extremely close. These people are just a few that have impacted my life in some way. If I wrote about each one, I'd be almost 25!
Mom (Susana): I love my mother so much. I have learned so much from her, good and bad. As much as I hate to admit it, I am just like her. Growing up, I saw a lot of stuff that most parents wouldn't want their kids to see. Drugs, alcohol, domestic abuse, just to name a few. And it seems that nowadays most kids would see this as an excuse to bahave badly or an excuse for their problems, but not me. I saw what went on between my parents and I knew I didn't want to live that way. My mom was not always bad. She loved me, she wanted the best for Abram, Sabina, and myself. I can't really ever remeber a time when I didn't want to be around her. Now, my mom has been sober for quite a while and she has changed so much. I want her to know how proud I am of her. She is a wonderful person.
Dad (Manuel): My dad has a lot of problems. All through my life he's been an alcoholic, addict, and a stranger. However, while my mom and him were still married, he made sure I knew my manners, did my homework, and had fun. He was so strict with us. If we didn't say "yes ma'am," or "please," or "thank you," then we'd be in big trouble! I'm glad he was like that though, because now I know how to show respect to people. But after the divorce things got pretty rocky. After a few years he just disappeared. He lived about 50 seconds from my house, and I hardly ever saw him. He was so wrapped up in his drug addiction and his whore, that he didn't have time for me. He never paid child support and missed many birthdays. And actually, the money doesn't and didn't matter to me. I just wanted him to be a dad. It was really sad. After he got out of jail for child support, he went to live with my aunt and uncle. He's now sober and he has Hepatitis C. I've forgiven him for everything he did and didn't do, but I will never forget it. I love him with all my heart still, and wish him the best. I'm glad he's back in my life.
Joey (my stepdad): Mom and Joey have been together since I was in the fourth grade. Up until I started high school, our relationship was horrible. I disliked him so much. I guess I was mostly mad because I didn't want my mom to be happy. It was really selfish of me, but I couldn't help my feelings. Honestly, I don't even know why I felt that way. I was a spoiled brat. LOL. Now, I regret everything that I said, or did that was negative toward him. He tried so hard to show me how much he cares for my mom, me, and abe & sabine. I know how much he loves us. We have a really great relationship now. He could never replace my father, but he has proved time and time again that he is a wonderful dad. I thank him so much for always being there for us, and especially for my mom. If it wasn't for him she wouldn't have gotten sober. Thank you, Joey.
Mee-Maw (my grandma): Damn, I'm already crying and I haven't typed anything about her yet. I wish she was still here. Oh my God, nobody knows how much I miss her. She was my everything. I love her so so so much. I loved everything about her. Her wrinkly skin, her beautiful voice, her crochet beanies she wore, everything. We were so close. Me, Abram, and Sabina were her favorites. I wish I could have said something about her at her funeral, but I was crying so much I couldn't. She is the most beautiful person I know. I'm glad she's in a better place now. It was so hard for me to see her during her last years alive. Her Alzheimer's was really bad and she couldn't remember me. It hurt so much for all of us. She's so amazing and I hope that I can be with her again someday.
Ella (my niece): Ella is only two years old, and she is perfect. I wish and hope that she has a great life. Any time when I am feeling down, I can look at a picture of her and start smiling. She is adorable and extremely cute. She's going to be smart like Abram and Jennifer, hopefully she looks more like Jen though. Sorry, Abram. :) I can't wait to watch her grow up. This April I'll get to see her in Austin and hopefully this summer too! I love you Ella Bella!
Well as you can see, I only wrote about a few of my family members that have impacted my life. I've learned something from everyone, good and bad. For those of you missing family members, parents, siblings, or whoever, just make sure you love and appreciate the ones you have. My family is so loving and incredible. I couldn't ask for more. Thank you God.
