Kanga

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

This is the 2nd night in a row that sleep has escaped me, so what did I find to do? A little quiz that told me what I already knew... long gone are my Tigger days!

My mind keeps picturing my dad's mom, Nannie! She's 91 now, and just as spunky as she's always been. Well, she might have slowed down from 100 mph to 85 mph, but you get the picture. Anyway, Nannie has the gift of offending you amidst her compliments, but you gotta love that little lady. For example, almost every time I go back home and visit Nannie, we find ourselves discussing our boys. I have two sons, and Nannie has two sons. We compare notes on the sweet things they do, how little boys always love their mamas, and share our little stories. We've even been known to argue about which one of us had the cutest boys. Y'all think I'm kidding, but it's the truth sure as I'm breathing! (And for the record, all four boys are genetic marvels!!! So any of you family members back home reading this, make sure you tell Nannie that part, too!) Like Kanga, Nannie doesn't tolerate misbehaving, and I'm a little too old for time out!

Where was I? Did I mention that I am sleep deprived? Oh yeah, Nannie's gift of offending you while complimenting you... During my visits with Nannie, she almost always takes hold of my hand or pats me on the leg while telling me,
"Dana, you sure did manage to grow up and become a good wife and mama." Which sound good in theory, but if you were to be a fly on the wall and witness this happening, you would see that just as she's uttering such sweetness, she's also shaking her head from left to right and staring off, deep in thought. I always feel that her mind is re-playing me pitching a hissy fit, or clanging my clogs while walking on her side porch, or heaven only knows what else! (Have I mentioned before that I inherited a bit of Nannie's stubbornness?)

But despite what childhood memories she might be re-playing in her mind, as I read that I am a Kanga, my mind flashes to a million childhood memories of time spent with her. If I am like Kanga: warm, kind, and good with children, it's only because I learned from Nannie's example!

So reflect on your childhood. Who influenced you? How do you see that person's influence in your adult life?