People Who Need People

My heart has been full over the past few weeks and its been hard to put words to the feelings...but I'm going to try.

I have been keenly aware of the impact of "people" in my life. People that I feel so grateful to know.

Many of them would never even know the impact they have, or have had, upon my heart. They would have no clue as to the profound ways they have encouraged me to persevere, to think differently, or to try new things. They don't know how they have been a catalyst in the molding and shaping of the woman I am, and the woman I am becoming.

I spent time tonight going back through the archives of the blog, and I realized that many of the posts I've written have been influenced by those who walk(ed) through life beside me.

Then I read some of the comments you and others have written in response to these posts. Those comments have encouraged me, enabled me, and gave me something to laugh about when I needed it. You have shared your struggles and your joy. You have commiserated and cheered, and I am just so glad to know you through this crazy community we call the "net".

I am not certain why I felt like I needed to write this except that often times we don't get the opportunity to say thank you to people who influence us.

It's been said that it takes a village to raise a child. I am so grateful that while I was growing up, and now as I raise children of my own, I have had my fair share of strong, brave, smart and beautiful women who have, and still do, influence my life (both in this community and in my "real-life" community), and I am exceedingly grateful.

~~~

I'd love to hear about someone who has influenced you. Was it a teacher, a neighbor, a friend in college?