Inspirations of Life

I have spent the last several days with my mother, who has been here visiting from Minnesota. She arrived shortly after I made my first post and it was fresh on my mind. As we spent time visiting, I thought of all the women who have been part of my life, and a part of who I have become.

I need to recognize my mom first, she was the first to meet me after all! She has shown me strength, perseverance, and (I'll admit it) wisdom. Our life together did not start off easily. She was a single parent, working hard to make a living. Many things would happen over the years that required every ounce of strength and perseverance she had. I often think of those times when I face stressful situations. While there are many other characteristics she possesses, I will stop with wisdom for today's blog. She has learned a lot along the way, yet she is careful how she offers advice. It does not come aggressively, or with a condescending voice. I have to admit, as my children have begun graduating from high school, I am not as good at this as she is. But I have a good example to strive towards. She has shown me how to be strong.

Every women should have an aunt who becomes a friend later in life. I am very fortunate to have one in mine! While we have been friends for years, never more close than the last several years. We laugh, and confide, and best of all travel! One year we went from one coast to the other. Most recently, we started a tradition of treking North. We head to Minnesota each July to spend time with my mom, her sister. We have had some great times exploring Minnesota and South Dakota. This summer she will make the trip with my husband along as well. We will undoubtedly have a great time laughing, confiding, and traveling! She has shown me how to live life to the fullest.

My grandmother has also made a huge impact in my life. She is 85 years old now, and she continues to amaze me. She is my oldest Facebook friend, and loves to keep track of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through stories and photos we all share on the site. She has lived through the depression, the loss of two brothers while they were still young, World War II and lived the life of a hard working farm wife. She raised three children on the fruits of her labor and touched each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in unique ways. She taught us all crafts, including the art of wheat weaving. She has shown me to not be afraid of anything, and to embrace new things.

These are only three of the women I have been lucky to have in my life. There are many more dating back to my high school years and some special teachers and life long friends that I made. And there are those from my present, including many amazing women at church and friends from work as well. Perhaps I will share some of them with you in a future blog.

How about you, what women have made an impact in your life?