First and foremost, it is really difficult to narrow all of the important people in my life as a child down to five. There are so many family, friends, teachers, etc. who have impacted my life in positive ways and in a variety of ways! I am one of those lucky people who had many positive, influential, kindred spirits in my life as a child and I am infinitely blessed.
1. To start, my mother is extremely central in my life. Being a woman myself, my mother has been my role model from the very start. She has always been dedicated to her family and also devoted to her work in order to provide for her family. My mother is caring, compassionate, intelligent, and fun! Our relationship has evolved beautifully. Of course, as a child, she was my one and only, as most children’s mothers are. She always made me feel loved and like there was no other person in the world like me. As I grew, I went through stages when I felt she did not understand me (even though she did more than I would like to ever admit at the time). Finally, she has become one of my best friends. I go to her for advice, help with my own daughter, and when I need company.
2. My father has also always been essential in my life and has made a huge impact. He has always been the person I looked to for approval on the decisions I made, especially the major decisions. Because we have many of the same personality characteristics, we have had rocky times in our relationship. However, I feel this is important for any relationship to grow and evolve, so I really cannot complain. When I was young, he was always there to meet my needs and provided for me and my future well. Now, I often go to him for financial or professional advice because I value his opinion and his knowledge for this area.
3. My only brother, as well as my only sibling, has also been influential in my life. We had our fair share of sibling rivalry and fights, but at the end of the day, each of us knew that we cared deeply for each other. Another beautiful aspect of our relationship is that we always stand by each other, no matter what. As a child, he was the first to protect me if anyone else dared to ridicule me or hurt me in any way. I have always looked up to my brother for his outgoing personality and ability to make a friend no matter where he went and what he was doing. He continues to inspire me in so many ways to seize the day and forge relationships with people from all walks of life; after all, people are what make life worthwhile.
4. My lifelong friend, Laurie, has also been a powerful influence. We grew up next door to each other and have been through just about every one of life’s milestones together, each one deepening our relationship and making our friendship unbreakable. We have shared our hopes and dreams together and watched those hopes and dreams unfold for each other, right in front of our eyes! We have cried on each other’s shoulders over losses, laughed childishly at our own inside jokes, and always been there for each other. She is a cornerstone of my life and I am so lucky to have a friend like her. She is truly my sister and the very definition of a “lifelong friend.”
5. My grandmother was also a dominant figure in my childhood and life. I vividly remember so many conversations over a late night puzzle up north or while cooking and baking together. Each moment was a learning opportunity with her to learn about her interesting past and I aspire to be like her in so many ways. She is so smart, creative, fun, and above all loving to me, always. I have loved seeing my daughter form a relationship with her now; it means the absolute world to me that my daughter will know such a very important person in my life and love her “Mommy D”.
