10 people who have influenced me...
* There are many people that have changed my life, steered me in the right and wrong directions. Let's see, I would have to say a guy named Russ Hopkins was a big influence in my life. He steered me in the right direction after a slightly wilder me was in control. He knew what I needed to hear, not really what I wanted to hear though. Thank you Russ for putting so much time into my growing up phase. I love you very much!
* These are in no particular order. Oh sweet cousin Chuck. You were not a huge influence but I would like to say you did influence me. You did help me in making the choice to pick up smoking (not for many years now)and other things came of that too but I do not regret ever spending a moment with you! We had some very good times with some very good friends. I love you and can not wait to see you soon in July when Jenn comes up. You've married a great gal and you have a beautiful and smart daughter.
* If you have an older sister then she influenced you. Jenn really opened my eyes to many things that she had or was experiencing as the first and oldest sibling. Looking back, she always gave too much information in details I should not have known:) But she informed me on many useful activities and brought me along on some of her different adventures. She still influences me to this day but for the better.
* My mother was a terrific influence on my life, from the day I was born until even now. I hear her words that were full of wisdom and experience echo in my mind. Her actions influenced me more than her words though. She was a very giving and selfless woman. Almost to a fault, but she never got bitter or resentful, she just kept giving. I can even hear my self saying my name in her irritated sweet french voice when I would do something stupid. Mama! I would say back... oh the great memories :)
* Who else, I would like to give my aunt an honourable mention. Her love of horses influenced me to adore those creatures and have some very interesting yet sometimes harmful experiences riding them. I think Jane taught me that life doesn't end when things do not go as they are supposed to. Divorce and all that baggage that goes with it can be overcome and life can be good again. I am still amazed at her strength of character to up and move out here and start a fresh. If she had not, I might not have ventured out here by myself...Thank you for being so brave, Jane! I do not see her much but I do think of her often and how her choices changed the direction of her life, and my life went too.
* There was a boy and his family... we were friends, I would not have considered his family to add to this list but I was just talking about his tragedy on Wednesday and I think their influence was great in my life. This boy was a 14 or 15 when he was hit by a truck a few blocks from his house. He died. As a kid of the same age, death was for me something that did not happen to us or our friends. We were too young, too invincible to be tamed by such an enemy! I went to the funeral, gave my condolence to the parents. The way the entire service went really made me question these people. Sad, yes. Upset, yes. Would miss him terribly, yes. But the hopelessness and devastation was absent. The family loved God and knew that their precious child was home with his heavenly father. I thought they were cold and heartless. I did not understand a faith that would not allow you to mourn for your children the way I thought you should. I did not become a Christian for many years after that day but I honestly believe that this was a seed planted in my heart to try and understand the hope these parents still had. To wonder if it was at all possible to have God truly be who He said He was. That one could actually be comforted by the Spirit of God in such dire circumstances. I never want to find out. But I know God would be there just as he was for this boy's parents.
Well that is 6. 4 more on the next post. :)
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