Important People

I can go days without realizing I haven't talked to people I meant to talk to or done things I meant to do. It stinks! I hate when that happens. It has been days since I shared my tidbits with you, Friends. So, here I am again, trying to catch up.

Pioneer day was a wonderful day to sleep in and catch up on bits and pieces in my life. It was a much needed time to give thanks for those pioneers/important people in my life;

My Mom: She was a pioneer in joing the church. She was the one who made the choice years ago to become a memeber. Her decision affected me so much! I am grateful and proud that my mother, at sixteen listened to the missionaries in Austrailia. I am glad that at 18, she called the missionaries to be baptized. I admire her strength in knowing what she was doing was right, even if her family and friends weren't. She always has faith in me and what I can do. She encourages me to be the best I can.

Ms. Van: While I may never be able to tell her to her face how much I admired and loved her, this high school teacher of mine lead me down a pioneering path of my own. Because of her guidance in my life, I found the path that lead me to places where I could shine. I found many pieces of myself in her classroom and in the knowledge that she saw in me the ability to be more than I thought I was.

My Sisters: While there is a bond that is crazy and unique between us, there are canyons between us sometimes. I admire my sister Jessica in that she doesn't back down when there is something she wants. Rachel, for her decision to marry in the temple and to try to keep a peace between the battling factions and her desire to be apart of my life. We are so different and so far apart and still she tries. Robin for her desire to do good and find the good in people.

My Dad: He was always in school as I was growing up. He was always striving to better provide for his family. He wanted us to be happy. I have vivid memories of him laying on the floor with me and few siblings reading to us. My favorite to this day and one of my best memories, is my dad reading Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Suess, with all the voices. It was wonderful! My dad gave me the greatest example of what I wanted to be.

Friends: I have and oodles and oodles of friends over the years. Some stick out as being amazing and ones that am grateful I still have contact with. Jason, and his love for me. He always told me I was worth more than I thought and he always treated me like I was an amazing person. Alicia, who though we had very different back grounds and beliefs helped me to realize just how much someone can mean to you, no matter the differences. Mary, for being herself, never compromising to someone else's idea of right or wrong, and giving me the strength to do the same. Stacy, for her times of understanding when that was all I needed and her acceptance of my religious choices, even if she doesn't understand them. Tricia, for her ability to always show me, even in times of self doubt and fear, that I am stronger and more faith than I believe.

There are tons of people who have made a difference in my life, these are just the tip of the iceberg. I know that I am constantly striving to find the things I can learn from those around me. I just hope that one day, I can make a difference in some one else's life.