RR#3

8/16/10
pages 61-76

During Christmas Bailey and Maya got presents from their parents. Although it was a nice gesture, both Maya and Bailey were saddened by the gifts. Even though the gifts assured the children that their parents weren't dead, it also made them think for the reason why their parents let them go. The way I look at it, the presents symbolized what the parents were missing and how the kids view their parents. After hearing what the children think of their parents and then soon after having the father actually visit is surprising. I wondered how after all that time he could just waltz right in and say hi to them, oblivious to the fact he hasn't seen them in years. I was nervous for Angelou when she explains going on a trip with her father. He seems like a sneaky man. It was disturbing to read about Mr. Freeman ( her mother's boyfriend) and how he used Angelou. It was so interesting to read about her feelings towards it. It gives you a great perspective on how the child's mind actually works. She wanted to be closer to Mr. Freeman after that?! At first I didn't understand, after further explanation it is easier to see where Angelou was coming from. All she wanted was affection, and because her family rarely hugged or anything, she liked it. Although it was intriguing to learn about this part of her childhood, I felt bad that she had to experience something like that. But maybe if she hadn't she would be a different person today.