Day 9: The 10 People That Have Influenced You the Most

1. My husband.
I know I'm only 18, and I know some of the thoughts I had on love and marriage were and are because I am a young teenager. BUT... I was convinced I would never find the love of my life, and that I would settle with anyone that might love me. Dave really changed all of that for me. He was my best friend. He took everything about me with such stride and loved all of it. In that same regard, I love him. I love Dave so much.  I love him for everything he is, even the bits that frustrate me a little. There is nothing he could ever do to make me not love him, and I don't think I could ever make him not love me either. I know, I'm a newlywed, so this probably has the meaning of a grain of salt. But for me, that will always be enough.

2. Suzanna.
I met this special girl when we were 4. We have been inseparable since then. We don't live in the same state anymore. In fact, she lives across the country from me, in North Carolina, but we talk everyday, and I think we've been closer since she's been away. She's always been there for me. And I'll always be there for her.

3. My mother.
My mommy and I are best friends. Aside of the fact that she let me be a parasitical organism for 9 months, and went through painful labor to get me here, she's always been my hero. We were close even when I was a baby. She cuddled me, and made me feel so safe, and she's always done that. Maybe not in a physical sense, but she's always listened to me, advised me, and comforted me whenever I needed. She gives the best hugs, and makes me laugh until I can't breathe. And even then I'm still laughing. She's cool and hip, and wears cool pajama pants. She's an awesome lady, and I'm damn lucky to call her my mom.

4. My father.
My daddy and I go way back. Hahahaha. He used to work at home building mantels, so while my mom was staying late at school, I hung out with my dad. I used to make little mini mantels out of the wood scraps that he had from all of his real mantels. And he would give me 10$ when I decided to sweep all the sawdust out of the garage. When you're 8, 10$ is a lot of money. More than that, he's never missed a dance recitial, gymnastic competition, talent show, piano festival, orchestra concert, or play in my entire life. It was always so important for my dad to go to those things, and looking back, it means so much to me that he made it such a priority. He's always picked me up when I've fallen down, hugged me, and made sure I was alright. My daddy is wise, and has a great laugh. I love my dad so much.

5. My brother PJ.
We used to kill each other. Hahahaha. We seriously would beat each other up as kids. He was always bigger, and tickled me until I screamed and cried. But I think he preferred me over the other sisters (shhhh) because I was a bit more of a tomboy. He's helped me through a lot of problems in my life. I remember in ninth grade, I was really lost, and he really helped me through that. He would talk to me as he did his homework, but he always listened. And that meant so much to me. He's smart, and is about to go to law school. And now he's marrying the love of his life. And I couldn't be happier for him. I'll always be close to my brother. And I hope he always feels close to me.

6. My big sister Sara.
Holy cow. If you guys only understood how amazing this girl was. Even if you sort of understood. Sara is the kind of person that walks into a room, and instantly the mood changes. She carries such a grace (that's even her middle name) and beauty about her. But she's so silly and goofy. She laughs at everything. And we laugh so hard together. Sara has been one of my biggest supporters in all areas of my life. We didn't always get along, but we have both worked on our relationship a lot. Especially since I've been married. She has given me some really good advice. She is always up for a phone call, or a coffee date. She's been such an example of success. She decided she wanted to go into law, rocked the LSAT, and has been accepted into several law schools all over. She's passionate about life, and she is one of the most beautiful people I know. I love Sara. And I hope that we'll be close forever.

7. My baby sister Sophie.
Sophie has been my best friend for my entire life. I was a bit of an introvert my whole life. Don't get me wrong, I'm confident, but I've never had many friends. But I've always had Sophie. I know she's my sister, but she always played the games I wanted to play, and listened to me when I thought no one was listening. When I got my license, she was my copilot whenever I went anywhere. She has the best laugh out of anyone I've ever met. It's not light and musical and phony. It's real, and makes the whole atmosphere change. I haven't been very nice to her recently. And I'm not really sure why. I think it's because I know I can take my frustrations out on her, and she'll still love me. But that's not fair. I'm sorry Sophie. Forgive me? That's one of the greatest things about Sophie. Is her ability to forgive. Her heart is the size of the world. But she's generally so happy. My little sister is amazing. I love her forever.

8. My mother-in-law Cindy.
I always hoped I would be close to my mother-in-law, and I'm really lucky. Cindy is one of my closest friends. She always willing to help Dave and I in any way that she can, and is one of the most generous people I have ever known. Her love for her family amazes me. And I feel that love, as her daughter-in-law. Every Sunday, we have Sunday dinner. She always makes a delicious meal, and helps everyone forget the stress or frustrations they've felt in that week. Cindy is truly an amazing person. I've always felt close with her, and I think I always will. We laugh together, and I feel perfectly comfortable coming over just to talk to her. She is an AMAZING grandma. Holy cow. Olivia and Kade are so lucky. She is always willing to babysit them, and they have so much fun with her. I love her enthusiasm, and her passion for her family. I love her, and I'm so happy to be part of her family.

9. A Special Resident
(Due to HIPAA violations I can not disclose her name). This special resident will always have a place in my heart. Whenever I wake her up, she is happy and radiant. She has a love for everyone at Trinity Mission. Everyone. She has a happy laugh, and makes everyone around her feel better about themselves. She has taught me more about finding happiness wherever you seek it, than I could have ever imagined. She could very easily be discouraged. Especially living in a resting home. But she takes it in such stride, and makes sure everyone feels happy around her. I love her, and only wish happy things for her in her whole life.

10. Mr. Clinton.
He was my 10th grade high school health teacher. He was my high school principal. He was one of my oclosest friends and biggest supporters. He has a passion for teaching that not many teacher possess. He is loud and doesn't always say things right, but he is wise. There were many times when we would have talks for hours after school. And he listened to me. And gave me some of the best advice I could ever ask for. I was feeling unhappy in high school. And he told me his expectation for my graduation. He wanted to give me a hug when I graduated. So I had to graduate, and couldn't get too overwhelmed with my life. And he did give me a hug when I graduated. And told me he was so proud of me. I had my parents support all through high school, but it meant so much to me to have a teacher, and a principal believe in me all through high school. Mr. Clinton, thank you. Thank you so much.