1. My Mother (Willa Dean Gray)- At three months old I was adopted and my name was changed from Nichole to McKenzie Gray. My mother from birth always shared with me how special I was to her. Early in age, about five or six years old, she told me I was adopted. She was a true inspiration to me all throughout my life. My mother was a teacher for twenty-nine years. After retiring she worked as a Director of her church after school care program. She always tole me that I would teach but I didn't discover this passion until a month after her death in December of 2009. I thank my mother for being a great mother and my first mentor within the education field.
2. My Sister (Whitney Weston)- My sister is 31 years old and is married with three boys. My sister and I were both adopted but we have other sisters and brothers we don't know. My sister sets a standard that shows me true virtue within a Godly woman. She takes care of her family and when we were young she would always try to take of me. Even though we were close in age she always showed me true sister love. She is a music teacher on the middle school level. Thanks sis!
3. Mr. Irby ( My forth-grade teacher)- Mr. Irby was my 4th grade teacher at Carver Elementary. He was very stern and loving at the same time. At this time in my life I was not very interested in my education. I made the class room and our class work come alive. He would always stay on me about being consisted and to never give up. Some of the things he taught in that class I can still apply to my life today!
4. Ms. Davis ( The First Lady in my Church)- She has been so inspiring to me because she is so loving and dedicated to her husband and family. She is also adopted and by sharing her testimony inspires me to feel better about my life.
5. My Foster Mother (name unknown)- I just want to thank her for taking such good care of me when I was a baby. She made sure to document my every move so I can now read and share with others how I was at a baby. She made it possible to connect the things I did not know about me and my sister. I have never meet her but if I could I would say thank you!
How special that you were adopted into a family that has shown you so much love! Obviously your mother saw something special in you for your future in teaching! She must have been an inspiration to both you and your sister to have you both in the education field.
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading about your fourth grade teacher Mrs. Irby. I noticed what you remember is how she made lessons come alive and that sparked your curiosity. What an important thing for us to always remember....presentation is so important! This was a very nice childhood web, McKenzie!
McKenzie
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story. You are truely belssed to have such a wondeful mom to love you the way she did.I had a very cloes relationship with my fourth grade teacher, must be something special about the fourth grade teachers.
Beautiful family McKenzie...I'm a strong believer of adoption and your a perfect example of why! I was'nt adopted but my grandmother was my guardian so I can relate to you a little. Thanks for sharing!
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