6-4-10 Who Do You Admire?

I was reading an article yesterday where people commented on what woman they admired or were positively influenced by. Interesting reading…… Of course, it got me to thinking about what woman (or women, in my case) had a positive influence in my life. Four of them came immediately to mind.

My maternal grandmother was an amazing woman. While we aren’t Southerners, she always struck me as the quintessential Southern woman. Unfailingly polite and accommodating, but with a strength that was amazing. While she had definite ideas about what was “right and proper” (in the true Southern belle genre), she never imposed her views on us. And to hear her talk about the things she had done and seen -- which she thought was nothing special -- was always amazing to me.

And of course, there is my maternal aunt. She has learned, time and again, how to accept, deal with, and then live with serious diseases. I continue to be impressed and influenced by the strength she displays in dealing with the emotional and physical difficulties she faces. And her sense of humor --- well, let’s just say that when people finally look past her physical difficulties, they discover a hilarious woman.

There is my sister. An amazing woman that has, with her husband, raised three wonderful young adults. All while living abroad, working, and traveling. I can’t imagine the strength it takes to have the serenity that she always displays. She is the calming influence in today’s modern world.

And finally, there is my mom. Like her mother, she is a kind and amazing woman. She raised a family at a VERY young age. And I think we all turned out okay. She displays an amazing amount of strength when dealing with change (and she has seen a lot here lately). Her ability to adapt is an inspiration to me.

The common theme here? Strength. The women I admire have positively influenced me by teaching me about the strength required to not only get through the big bumps in life, but also just to get through the small bumps of day-to-day living. I admire and love them all.

Who has positively influenced your life? Who do you admire? It doesn’t have to be a family member. It might be someone at work, at church, or in the community. I (and my readers) would LOVE to hear your story.

Cheers!