There
have been so many special individuals in my life that it was hard to choose
whom I would write about. As I sit and think about who has surrounded my life
to give me the life and outlooks I have today, I first have to thank my
parents. Doreen Magri, my mother, was always there for my brother and I. She
was always there to lend a helping hand and always put others first, my mom was
always willing to give back to others. As soon as I could run I was placed into
sports and my mom was always actively involved in all of my passions. She was
my biggest cheerleader and has showed me how to be the best mom I can be in the
future. She showed her children love in so many ways, whether it was shuffling
us off to sporting events, helping us move in to our first apartment or even
cooking a nice dinner. These are the memories I cherish and couldn’t thank her
enough for all that she has done. By being so selfless and kind to everyone she
meets on her path, Mom has shown me the meaning of life; to never judge a book
by its cover and to be the pillar for a family.
My
father, Gene Magri, is an extremely hard worker and a very driven man. He began
working in construction when he was 18 and now has owned his own business for
45 years. When I was younger I remember my dad always working crazy hours,
being on estimates over the weekends but would still come home with a smile on
his face to always play with my brother and I. He gave my brother and I a life
that we could have never dreamed about because of all of his hard work. My dad
was never an emotional man, he always kept his feelings to himself, but on
early Sunday morning he would be with us downstairs watching our cartoons.
Making the funny voices, running around the house and getting breakfast
together, this is how my father showed us love. He showed us the meaning of
hard work, honesty, and how to stay clam when situations arise. His work ethic
is what inspires me that hard work does not go unnoticed and if you love your
job the unimaginable can happen. My dad is my biggest fan and being a daddy’s
girl I could only hope that my hard work and dedication in the Early Childhood
field shows him that he did a wonderful job raising his daughter.
John
Geekie is one of my longest and dearest friends, our mothers met when they
moved to our neighborhood both pregnant for the first time and a due date that
put days between us. John has always been a very honest man, I could always ask
him for advice and get the hard truth. Was it something that I always wanted to
hear, no, but in the end I rather be hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie.
Him and I had a very mischievous childhood, if one was doing something stupid
the other was trying to “out stupid” them. Without the mistakes we have made in
our past, John and I, would not be who we are today. We both went into the
education field and are constantly pushing one another. John knows who I can
be, he never gets in the way of the important things in my life, and he is one
of the most compassionate individuals I know. He is supportive of my decisions
and he is always willing to listen. Without a childhood friend like John, I can
honestly say I don’t know where I would be. There may have been some distance
put between us during college but as soon as that phone rang or one of us were
home it was like nothing has changed. This is a true friend, someone who is
loyal even when we are miles apart.
My Mother & Father who have given me the world and love I needed to be the best person I can be.
A friendship of 27 years and I could not be more blessed to have you still by my side!