Who impacted your life?

Recently, Nancy and I flew back to the Cincinnati area to visit relatives and reminisce (somewhat) and reflect on our childhood experiences. Nancy reunited with a lady she babysat when she was a teenager. We both drove around areas we visited while in high school and earlier. We both recalled street names and areas but could not remember where the street ran. Thank God for Google. We REALLY enjoyed seeing family and friends, and seeing how much their children have grown.

 While we visited, old images came back to me of friends, teachers and people in my life that impacted me and who I am today. I always thought of me when I was a baby as an empty jar, and each person I met would deposit a grain (or more) of sand into my personality which created who I am. And then I thought who impacted me the most. It probably starts with your parents, and then maybe friends or other relatives, or maybe teachers, or co-workers. It could a certain author, or a celebrity, or a song that rang so true to you. Songs and smells bring back memories to me.

To me, there are a few people that contributed to who I am. I guess the big ones were my parents, and then a few high school teachers. I was not the best student and seemed to be the principal's office often. Not always my fault, and I am sticking to that story. But there a few teachers who came to my rescue and took an interest in me. They suggested different avenues for me to take so I would be more productive in life. Fast forward to me getting on the fire department. Two people really got me on track. Both had an interest in things I thought the department could do to serve the citizens better. Unfortunately both are gone now and I never had the opportunity to tell them how much I appreciated their help and ears to my crazy ideas.

I can not express my appreciation to those who deposited some sand  (no matter how much or little) into my empty jar of personality over my 75 years.  Thank you.

Make sure you thank your most influential people before you can not. It really does impact you both. Take care and be safe.