Growing up, I spent nearly every weekend with my grandmother. She made me see that I am smart and powerful.

• Growing up, my sisters and I spent most weekends with our grandparents in Brooklyn. • The special time with my grandmother allowed me to learn lessons about love and self-worth. • My grandmother's influence continues to shape my relationships today, even after her death.

From the age of 6 until 12, I spent every weekend with my grandmother at their apartment in Brooklyn.

At the time, my dad was living in Mexico and my mom was dealing with personal issues, so Grandma Mary tried to see me and my two younger sisters as much as possible.

Looking back, I now know that the lessons I learned during these special weekends have done so much to shape the person I've become.

Our weekends were special

I fondly remember my grandparents picking us up every Saturday in their yellow Chevrolet I