Wow, Thursday comes fast! Today I have for you thirteen people who have made an impact on my life…

1. First and foremost is my grandmother. I have posted memories of her several times. She was an amazing woman who made great sacrifices to raise me. She didn’t allow her lack of high school education slow her from learning. She would read anything she could get her hands on. She taught me to not give up and to not allow circumstances to get you down in life. She is also a big reason that I love butterflies and shells.

2. Matthew
My best friend growing up. We were neighbors and he was one of few people in the neighborhood that I could play with. We spent every possible moment together. He kept me sane. He was also key to my accepting Christ. I remember sitting in his backyard talking about God and Heaven. Eventually I just told him that it was what I wanted in my life. He took me to his dad and I prayed with him. Matthew’s family offered a little hope in my life.

3. Matt’s dad- Darryl
Darryl prayed with me to receive Christ. He was also a pastor so I spent many Sunday’s at his church. He was also my math tutor, which I desperately needed as well!

4. Matt’s mom- Debbie
Debbie was a guiding light for me. She included me in their family, gave advice occassionally. She was right next door as I grew up and I could ask her the girl questions sometimes.

5. Very important and right up their with Gran…my Aunt. Rita is another strong woman. She rose from her difficult life to become a wonderful teacher. She is my mother figure. It is an odd situation because we were raised by the same person, so in some aspects she seems like this much older sister, but she is also the person I can go to for the advice a mother would give. She really helped me deal with the college entrance requirements, teaching requirements, application issues and so forth. She is also someone I can talk to about my childhood and deal with personal situations. Most of all we many times see things the same way and think alike. She doesn’t understand me like Gran, but close.

6. My uncle, Rita’s husband, Larry. He is pretty gruff, but a softy underneath. He’s the guy that taught me swim and to drive. He even took me to take my driver’s test. He’s now my goto guy for computer problems. The daddy figure if you will.

7. Patrick. He’s my cousin that has his own issues to deal with these days. We grew up together. He was my protector and playmate. He is the cousin featured in muffin memories. He would make sure that I had enough covers on the snowy nights and wake me the next morning so we could be first to put our prints in the snow. He taught me how to play football and how to not throw like a girl.

8. Brad. Another cousin. He was my tormentor, lol. He would tease me without mercy. These days he is someone I can talk to about anything without fear of judgement. Usually there’s some good advice there. He would do anything for me and do it with a loving heart.

9. Mandy. Another cousin. Oh I so wanted to be like her. So funky, so cool. Hey, still! LOL. Sense of humor, but an understanding of the world. Another protector, but these days she is just an inspiration to not let anything hold you back. Her sense of adventure is inspiring.

10. JoAnne. She was another best friend’s mom. She makes the list b/c she could have easily persuaded her daughter to find a new friend. Afterall, I was not in the same socio-economic league. JoAnne didn’t do that though, she embraced me as one of hers making a way for me to participate in scouting events and trips with friends. She was a reassuring factor for my grandmother. She also put in a good word for me to get my first job. Many doors were opened for me because of her. She was also my private lesson coach.

11. My band director. I hated him when he first started. He was so arrogant. He didn’t like me much either. It was my eighth grade year and I swore there would not be a ninth grade year in band. A friend coerced me to go to band camp anyway. So I went. He was SHOCKED to see me there, but let me stay. By the end of band camp I thought he hung the moon. This man challenged me like no one else ever had. I rose to the challenge and always sought his approval in my playing. He was still arrogant, but if not for him I wouldn’t have become the top trumpet player in our district and in the top five of the state. I would not have gotten most of college paid for. Wow, I owe a lot to that guy.

12. Stephanie and Jennifer…they persuaded me to go to band camp that year.

13. You know Djembe has to make the list. He is my best friend, my rock, my husband. He is unbelievable. Patient, kind, forgiving, and the most amazing man I have ever met. Meeting him was the best thing that ever happened to me. He accepted me for who I was, baggage and all. He is my protector. The one who walks around the lake with me to feed the neighbors pets because he knows I don’t like the dark. He understands that the house will not always be perfect and he’s cool with that. He wants what is best for us and for me. It isn’t his way or nothing. He was there when I dealt with life, he was there when my Gran died, he was there as I struggled through classes, he is always there for me…even when I pushed him away. But he stays with open arms.

I started and ended with the two most important people in my life. Think of them as the book ends. Gran willingly handed me over to Djembe. Her acceptance of him was a pretty big deal for me, and he understands her amazing influence too. Wow, that book end concept hits me hard.

Thanks for reading…I tried not to be sappy. Happy Thursday!

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