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Sylvia Browne
My sister
Ester Hicks
Louise Hay
me, my own self searchng and evolving

My Mother

Probably a tie between Helen L. and Laura L.
Helen is a sweet little old lady in her 80's and the most organized woman I've ever met. She is a little overly worried about things at times, but she gets so much accomplished, volunteers and contributes her time and money regularly, reads a lot, stays physically fit, is the most generous and giving person, and is a wonderful role model for what I would like to be in my 80's.

Laura is a retired school principal a few years older than I am. She's also a sweetheart, a regular volunteer at the hospital, an avid reader and takes good care of herself. What impresses me most about her is the wonderful communication she and her husband have about everything.

Both of these women are no longer a part of my life but will always remain in my heart and mind :)

My great-grandmother, Myrtis
Myself
My friend Carole who daily battles the odds and does it in with a smile on her face.

My mom's best friend Toz back in the day always treated me like a person, not like "children should be seen and not heard" as I was sort of brought up. No matter what was going on, she'd take the time to talk WITH me and listen to what I had to say. She also said I could call her Toz instead of Mrs. ____, and I just thought that was so cool she let me do that (and I, in turn, have done that with my kids' friends as they were growing up--not to show them disrespecting their elders, just that I was always more comfortable with anyone calling me by my first name). To this day, I make sure I acknowledge whatever child is in my presence and let them know I care about what they think as well.

My two best friends now have also influenced me greatly, have given me strength, love, and support when I desperately needed it and in turn, have made me an even more giving and compassionate, strong person.

That is a very important message, TJ. Every one of us feels better when we feel we are really seen by someone else. Taking just a few moments to acknowledge another, look into their eyes and use their name when speaking to them is priceless!

I would have to say my mother. Even though she has been gone for 27 years, she left an indelible mark on me and influences me still, to this very day.

My mom.

My paternal grandmother, Concha. She was a business woman who taught me how to be compassionate and competent. She was not a typical grandmother, she was independant and busy and never stopped teaching me. Almost everyday I think of something she taught me.

I am very fortunate to have had and do have many influential women in my life. It seems I have a combined all these traits to make me.