The Red's Int. Women's Week: Discussion Personal Influences

[Torrie]

Can you think of a woman who has influenced you in your life? Someone you know personally? I can think of several.

 

One is my mom. My dad became handicapped when I was 13 and she stood by him and took care of him. She was the support for our family during those hard times. When my dad was so depressed he did not want to continue in life, she brought him out of it. When I was feeling lost and alone, she held me and made me feel loved. When my sister became angry at the world, my mom calmed her down and taught her to accept what life throws at you.

 

I often wonder who my mom went to for support during this time, then I remember all the women who helped her.

Grace, a very good family friend and the woman my daughter is named after, was there for her. My mom could call on Grace to take care of my sister and I, take trips to the numerous hospitals we went to, and she could pray. She could not change the facts, but she could support us no matter what happened.

 

Ethel, was another family friend, who we could count on. Once again she would help watch us kids. She had a pool and we loved to go over to her house. She would take my mom out for the day and just relax. Just the time away from all the stress of life, I am sure was a big help for my mom.

 

 

While I do not know all the details of what these woman and my mom discussed while this tragedy hit us, I am sure without them my mom would not have been able to handle the stress of the situation.

This is just one example of woman banding together in support and love.

 

 

 

So, who is your inspiration in your personal life? What woman has helped make you the person you are today?

[Onis OLeia]

My mum - taught me a lot of everyday things and always has cared a lot. She taught me how to drink nectar out of a flower and what flowers were safe to drink from. She grew carrots in the garden when I was 5 years old because I wanted us to have our own vegetable garden.

 

My grandmother - always cared so much, makes the best hot chocolate and always had time for me when I was there on holidays.

 

My primary school teacher - taught me how to do maths, encouraged me to get even better at reading, believed that I could do anything I wanted to, really saw me when very few others did.

[Torrie]

I think there will be a lot of moms being named. They have to be such strong women.

 

I can think of several business women who have influenced my life. My first boss being one of them. She raised three daughters and ran a successful business by herself.

[Mystica]

there's quite a number of women that influenced me, but not in a positive way im sorry to say. Still, the negative also helped me in becoming who I am, believing what I do and building up the strength I've needed. It's funny sometimes where we find the teachers we need in order to learn what we must.

[ed2funy]

My sister, Frances.

She has shown me that people can keep going, and still get things done, no matter what.

She bought her own car by 19 because she saved her money, worked temporary jobs through a temp agency, and even did door-to-door type sales but for business's. Which means she would walk 2 blocks before reaching the next place of business she needed to go to.

She recently-ish lost her job because the company moved to Mexico. She continued at her part-time job at the Lego store and always strives to keep going.

 

:)

[Amadine]

I have to go with my Mum. She has been the most amazing support throughout my life. When i need her she will drop everything. No one understands me quite like my Mum, not even my husband. My life dropped into the darkest depths i had never imagined when my son died. My Mum crawled into that black hole with me, took my hand and helped me climb back out. She is my rock. She is amazing. She is my Mum.

[Adella]

*snuggles Amadine* I can't even imagine..  :(

 

I have to say, not many women mean much in my life. Of course my mom gave me life, and I love her, but she wasn't a great parent.. We were all totally dependent on my dad for everything, and me and him are very close because of it..

 

But, one woman has done great things for my life. My best friend Erika. We met the first day of freshman year, she was an athlete, had great grades, and was very popular. Neither of us were perfect and we became best friends as soon as we met. Since then, she has been through a lot of confusion in her life, including two VERY abusive (emotionally) relationships, and her uncle committing suicide. Through all this, I didn't know how to help, and she just sucked it up and became stronger from it.

Now, when I'm going through a lot of confusing and rough stuff, she always knows just when to call me, it's fate I swear, just when I'm at my lowest of low, and she knows the perfect things to say to just distract me and keep my mind thinking my cup is half full. I don't know what I would do without her at this point, if she just dropped off the face of the Earth, my whole life would fall apart.

At just 18 she is a workaholic, successful CNA, looking for a wonderful man to share her life (having about as much luck as I am), and she is about to help her dad get a new house and live with him to help him pay the bills as her parents are splitting up. This woman is the strongest and most inspirational person I know. I love her like air. :)

[Torrie]

The women in our lives can easily bring tears to your eyes, can't they?

 

Amadine: I am so sorry for your loss, but I am glad you had someone there to lead you back. Thank you for sharing.

 

Ed: I am glad you joined in and I hope your sister works the job situation out. She sounds like a strong woman though, and that means the battle is half won.

 

Adella: It sounds like you have a wonderful friendship! Cherish it. Those types of friendships don't come around often.

 

Myst: I have people in my life like that. I even have some who were hard on me and I could not stand them, but they helped me become a better person. I can think of several coaches who pushed me past my limits but created discipline for me.

 

Has anyone else had this experience?