My Childhood Web

Laura Randleman

Click on the adorable baby sitting on her Grandpa’s lap to continue.

The Stratton ClanO As a child, family was a

way of life. Even though we lived 100 miles away, my parents made sure that we gathered with relatives on a regular basis. This is only a portion of the individuals who supported me though out my early years and, more importantly, still do in one regard or another.

Click on any of the more thoughtful people to learn more about their impact on my life

Or the ceiling light to return to the introduction slide.

Why am I out of focus?

Why do I always

have to be in front?

I think someone

needs to be changed!

Everyone smile so we can eat before lunch gets cold!

I enter the picture MUCH later!

My Parents:

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O I was very young when my parents married, but the only thing that made us a “step” family was that my brothers didn’t live with us all the time. My parents worked as a team – never allowing me to play one against the other and always creating a united front. My parents taught me to love openly and to respect others. My mother and I shared more “domestic”, creative activities and my dad taught me the more practical skills of banking and car maintenance.

Bill Oliver: step father actually, but he was Daddy to me and typically the one

behind the camera!

Shirley Stratton Oliver: Mother

(Some of) My SiblingsO My siblings and I were not

as close during childhood as we are today, simply because I was the youngest of the six by 5 years. And even though, our families were blended, I never think of my brothers as “steps”. My brothers and sisters didn’t always “play” with me, but they always looked out for me and protected me.(Ok, there was the one time that Kay and Geoff hung all of my dolls from the ceiling while I was asleep: but I am over that now!) As an adult, it is wonderful to relate as peers and build on the strengths of our childhood that often comes from shared experiences. Dianna:

Oldest sister (top right)

Kay: Older sister (bottom right)

Goeff: Youngest (step) brother of three

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My Grandparents

James & Irene Stratton: “Daddy Jim” &

“Mommie”

O There was never any doubt that Mommie and Daddy Jim loved me unconditionally. There was always candy in the candy dish, pajamas under the Christmas tree and an abundance of hugs, smiles (even though they are missing in this photo) and experiences to share year after year. For me, the tradition of large family gatherings initiated with them and there was never a lack of food or fun at their house when we all got together!

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My CousinO I’m not sure why but even

though Donna is actually older than my sisters, she and I have always shared a special connection. Perhaps because we are the only “blondes” in our immediate families! Donna has always been available for me as a confidant and supporter. I have been able to lean on her through some pretty rough times and whenever we have the chance to spend time together the time and miles between us just melt away.

Donna Stratton Wallace: Cousin

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O Ilene was the only teacher I have ever had who became a life long friend - almost instantly. She took me under her wing freshman year of high school, investing her time and energy into my love for Home Economics (now FACS) reinforcing the skills and attitudes that I received from my mother. During my secondary years, Ilene led me to Christ, took me to teachers’ conferences, and assisted me on the road to education as a profession. Over the years she has walked with me through good times and bad; never judging, always loving and always providing support for me and my family.

O I feel particularly blessed by her and know that as an educator she took time to get to know each of her students and work with them where ever they were, but there were only a hand full of us who were lucky enough to develop this kind of bond throughout her career.

Ilene Beggs: Home Economic Teacher/Friend

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My Mentor