Who helped you to become who you are?

[kainsworth]

If you could thank someone from your past for contributions to your life, who would it be, and why?

[Kittycat]

My sentiments exactly. My mother wasn't a homemaker but what I called back then, a woman of the world. She was an educator and very involved in community affairs. Expand your horizons!!! And also my father. His advice to me that always stuck was "Practice makes perfect." lol Both my mother and father were so special to me in more ways than one. They are greatly missed.

[kainsworth]

Cool. I relate to both of you on this. My mom and my daughters - especially the first one - have been incredibly important to who I am. My mom showed me how to be strong and independant without forgetting to love, and my daughters changed my life from the things I thought I wanted to the things I really needed.

[stillgoing]

My father, I learned perseverance, caring and kindness towards others and that happiness is not stuff.

[larry kremis]

My stepmom, she came into my life at age 10 after my mom died when I was 9. Stepmom was only 13 years older than me. At age 23 she became mom to a 10 year old and a 6 year old girl and she was pregnant with my brother.

[Tina]

Farmers are special people, salt of the earth, at least the ones I have known are and were! That's great Chuck!

[Joe Horizon]

My parents did a lot of believing in my potential. Some of my aunts and uncles also chimed in early and often, commenting on how they believed in things to come for the likes of little me. I never doubted, probably due to the early affirmations I received. Thanks to all of those great souls.
After dad died, one of my uncles again gave some strong affirmations yet again when I was 18. During my first job out of high school, I was afforded an opportunity by a bloak named Ron Clark. That guy was instrumental in shaping the ethic that was forming. I owe that person a ton of thanks.
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the teachings of Dale Carnegie, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Florence Littauer, Les Brown, Andy Andrews, Robert Kiyosaki, Norman Vincent Peale, Og Mandino, Steven Covey, Wayne Dyer and quite a few more.
Those teachings were and continue to be definitely instrumental. Then there is Frank Zappa, the Gershwin brothers, Cole Porter, Lennon and McCartney, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Nelson Riddle, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Fats Waller, Robert Johnson, Willie Nelson and about six hundred more musicians and composers.
I owe a great debt to all above and several unmentioned as well. I have been given the best of help. I am grateful.

[kainsworth]

Wow, what a thoughtful response, Joe. I'm amazed at what a huge effect we humans have on each other, whether we acknowledge it or not.

[kainsworth]

I envy people who have had that great dad bond. I did get a really great grandpa, though.

[Kittycat]

Kainsworth, that's as close as you can get...Grandpas are the best.

[kainsworth]

When my daughters asked me to play "house" with them, I always said I would if I can be the grandpa.

[kainsworth]

Aren't sisters amazing? I don't know what I'd do without mine.

[Tina]

Or me mine Kainsworth, they are truly wonderful women, strong, gracious and caring human beings not to mention wonderful friends and sisters.