Last night on Facebook, I asked my friends to identify the person who was the most influential in their life. Of the several responses, parents were easily the most common. A couple of folks asked me who was that person for me. This post will outline who the influencers are/were in my life. While these are in no particular order, I will hold the most influential until last. I should note, that these are people with whom I can say I have had an in-person one-on-one relationship. In yesterday’s post, I looked at a few of the people who in the last five years of my professional life have been influencers. The persons listed below are those who have been influencers in my life as a whole. Like yesterday’s post, I have used initials (or other pseudonyms) vs. names to protect privacy.
mdsimants’ Mom — Mom is a rock. She sacrificed enormously to make sure us boys had everything we needed and were prepared to be successful. She instilled in us a work ethic that pushed us to work hard. She taught us to pray. She taught us faith.
BWC — Was the first minister from whom I truly learned to think openly about matters of faith. He helped to unlock the box within which I had locked my belief system.
eksimants — You’re teaching me everyday how to be a better person. I’ve learned how to love unconditionally. I hope that I’m being the example you and cesimants need. You’re teaching me to be a sponge. You and your brother have taught me to explore everything, and that it is the best way to learn.
DB — Music is your passion. You taught me to listen intently to the notes (both actual and figurative) played.
JH — Music is your passion. You taught me to listen intently to the notes (both actual and figurative) not played.
Grandpa McD — You were a great man. I hope that I can be half the man that you were.
BM – You taught me to be there when needed. Thanks for the Olive Garden after Steroid treatments! Thanks for the B. I still owe you a call.
sksimants — You are the biggest influence in my life. You showed me how to believe in myself. You showed me how to be bigger than the circumstances. You’ve been the rock that is the foundation of this household. You believe in me, and let me be me. Thank you for keeping it all together. I love you.
In a way, everyone of you, my friends, have influenced some element of my life. The relationships that I have help to shape my thoughts, beliefs, experiences, and understanding of the world. I appreciate all the time that we have spent together — in real or virtual worlds, and hope that I have been a positive influence on each of you.
And the next several blogs, will be less ‘heady’.
