MY FAMILY!!! |
My parents, Andrew and Michelle, have been married since May 22, 1993. My dad is a is employed for a Environmental Engineering company. My mom works in special education and coaches the high school dance team. They have spent countless hours volunteering on various community service projects and have both worked at teen crisis shelters for many years. They are licensed foster parents as well as adoptive parents. My brother, Colby is my cheer and dance partner. I am very proud of his accomplishments and his strength of character. It takes a strong person to go against society's norms and be his own man! My sister, Jennifer is very active in sports and has a huge heart! .Shanelle has the most personality and talent out of us all! She has a grace and beauty she is just growing into and I can't wait to see where it takes her. Shaylaree has a confidence that is contagious. SHe is never afraid to try new things and always gives it her all. .My baby brother Caleb, is a combination of us all! He is althetic and can sing and dance! My family has always been there for me and I love them with all of my heart. |
He takes my sisters and I into Eagle River to dance practice. When we have a performance or a game he is always at it. He coaches Colby's MYAC basketball team (they are undefeated!) If I need assistance on my homework, he is there. He has rushed me to the hospital when I was sick, and talked to me about "boys" and drugs. He just does things that dads are suppose to do. He is always here for me when ever I need him. When I was learning to ride without training wheels, he would pick me up and say, "You can do it, Bridgette!! I really know you can do it!!" He doesn't announce to his friends or coworkers that Colby, Jennifer, Shanelle and I are his adopted children (that's four out of his six children). That really shows his love for us. It does not matter that we are adopted by him. My dad has thrown me a lifeline by being my dad, my "real" dad. If my peers find out that I am adopted, they always ask who and where my "real" dad is. Well, he lives in Palmer, Alaska, with my mom, my brothers and sisters and me. He loves me and I love him--real love from a real family! He has light, sky-blue eyes and dark blonde hair (at least what is left!!!) He stands 6'1" and 190 pounds. He has a superb sense of humor, plus a sensitive side. He's honest and always positive. He's protective. He values honor and honesty . He honestly believes it is an honor to be my dad. If the world were made of more caring people like my father, it would be a much better place. |
A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD Anyone can be a birth father, but it takes a really special man to be a "dad." My dad's name is Andy Nielsen. Besides working full time, he is a part time youth counselor, foster parent and volunteer coach. At age 28, he went to college to earn his degree so that he would be a good example for us kids. He truly wants to make a difference in our society by helping out needy youth and contributing in anyway he can. Yet his greatest accomplishment has been to show the world you don't have to have the same genes to be a "real" family; just commitment and a lot of unconditional love in your heart. I was 5 years old when my parents first met. They married when I was 7. My dad adopted my brother Colby and I when I was 9. |
