May 7th, 2010, Loving Mother, Irene Hoskins
Birth is a humbling, awesome experience to witness. A precious gift.
I am here a living and breathing because of my mother Irene. Growing up I did not live with her. I did visit her and my siblings in Michigan during summer vacation from school.
Irene is the oldest daughter. After giving birth to me in 1957 she later married, moved to Michigan and had six more children.
Why I stayed with my grandparents rather than go to Michigan with Irene is not important to me. So many family members in Chicago showered me with love. Mother Irene and I know we love one another dearly. Long ago I’ve accepted that my aunts and grandparents cared for me very well.
I had sandy brown hair as baby. “Sandy” is my nickname among family in Michigan. I feel love and affection when I hear “Sandy”. It just brings a big warm smile to my face.
Irene was the first in our family to get a degree from a university. She worked in the Michigan school system. Her husband, Osbe Hoskins Sr. worked in the construction industry. My mother and I have a loving relationship to this day. It’s a special bond based on mutual respect.
My six siblings, Calvert, Joanne, Osbe Jr, Myron, Rose and Carol Lyn were great students and formidable athletes in high school and college. Osbe Jr and I think that all of the athleticism in our family came from our grandfather and Irene. My siblings were outstanding in the classroom as well as the field. They were great in almost any sport that they participated in which included, football, baseball, volleyball and track and field. They are in Halls of Fames in high school and in colleges.
Cal, Osbe Jr and Myron are wonderful fathers to their children. I always try to call them on Father’s Day to express how proud I am of them as fathers. Great fathering is a family tradition.
I wasn’t as close to my sisters Joanne, Rose and Carol Lyn as we were growing up. But now that we have gotten older we all are much closer and I enjoy talking with them.
Even though I was not raised with my brothers and sisters, I have a very deep connection with all of them and they know that I love them.
Much love to the wonderful lady that gave me life, Irene Hoskins.
May 11th, Searching outside of the family.
