To my mother ( Marion Jean Gregory): from Mary Jean Ziska
answer to the question: one of the best and most formative experiences that happened to me was….
Mom, one of the best and most formative experiences that happened to me was the knowledge that i was really wanted, really valued and really loved. Knowing the security of a mother and father team who made me feel loved, secure, and cherished helped me to grow into an adult who knew who to love people- to cherish them to value them and to show them my depth of affection for them …. I think the quote is true about “how a child learns”
“How a child learns”:
If a child lives with criticism he learn to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule he learns to be shy
If a child lives with shame he learns to feel guilty
If a child lives with with tolerance he learns to be patient
If a child lives with encouragement he learns confidence
If a child lives with praise he learns to appreciate
If a child lives with fairness he learns justice
If a child lives with security he learns to have faith
If a child lives with approval he learns to like himself
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship he learns to find love
….even true into adulthood the consequences of interactions with great and amazing people who genuinely like and love you can change your world…. my childhood ( until the past 7 years) has been filled with amazing experiences where my life lessons left me with the confidence to conquer the world, the faith that all things were possible, and the knowing acceptance of friendship, of finding and the knowing what love should and does feel like
So the formative experiences would have to be the encouragement/ the praise that allowed me to appreciate people/life and life experiences/ having moral /ethical and strong valued parents allowed me to learn fairness and believe in justice…. that good overcomes evil and that family sticks together and that hard work and smart choices equals rewards and that evil will be stopped! Thank you for the security of my formative years to have never known evil or selfish con artists … But I do resort back to the hope and belief in happy story book endings, and that love and family… unconditional love and genuine friendship and a devoted family not only survives.. but thrives! luv mary jean ziska