Day 9: Influential People

So I totally forgot about this. But this is Day 9: A list of ten people who have been influential in my life and why.

10: My Grandparents. They have showed me some of life's toughest battles and taught me to take care of myself, but that it's ok to be spoiled sometimes.

9: Mr. Hall. He was one of my high school teachers (for sure my favorite math teacher in high school) and I had him for class while I was going through a really difficult time in my life. He made me see that there's a lot more to life and my self-worth than some stupid boy.

8: Mr. Felder. He was my English teacher in high school. And my favorite teacher of all-time. He taught me how to expand my thinking of every situation. He is probably the smartest man I've ever met in my life and he really inspired me to be all the I can be.

7: Mrs. Mazzei. She was my gifted education teacher. This woman... she was incredible. I could always learn something new from her. She showed me passion in the Holocaust and the history behind it. She challenged me to dig deep in everything I did and she really instilled those values and standards in me from a very young age.

6: The USMC. I know, it's not a person, persay, but ever since I dated the wrong guy in high school, I learned a little bit about it. And then when I started dating my now husband, he had already signed his enlistment contract and I boldly jumped right into this life. It;s taught me to be appreciative and flexible. It's given me a whole new sense of loyalty and leadership and independence. I know it's brought my relationship with my husband, our families, and my friends closer. So I'm thankful for this life I've taken head on.

5: My siblings. They have shaped who I am, for sure. Especially my big sister. They've really matured me. My older siblings because they are so much older than I am and they made me WANT to grow up faster so I wouldn't annoy them anymore and my little brother because I was his big sister and I needed to take on that role.

4: My nieces and nephew (and my puppy). They have truly shown me how to be patient and taught me how to be a kid again. How to play and run for fun. And they've even made me consider having children of my own someday. Key word: consider.

3: My daddy. My dad has made me the athlete and tough girl that I am today. He taught me how to stick up for myself, too. I've always been a tomboy and my theory is that, since my brother was an accident, that he wanted a boy. So he raised me like one. But he also treated me like a princess. And, to him, I am his princess. That's always been his nickname for me and for my birthday, every year, he would buy me a crown. I never appreciated that until I was older and now that I'm too old for princess crowns, I don't get them anymore. I miss him.

2: My mama. My mother is the most intelligent and well-rounded woman I've ever known. My mom really is the best mother in the world. She has the patience and kindness of a saint. She showed me how to be logical and rational but she's also given me the love that only a mother can give. She's always lifted my spirits and told me that "I have the biggest balls she's ever seen". And I miss my mom so very much.

1: My husband. He is the biggest influence on my life, He is the reason I uprooted myself from my hometown and even my home state. He is the reason I've traveled to different parts of the country and he'll be the reason I will someday get to travel overseas. He has taught me how to love so deeply and what it's like to really miss someone. He's shown me a love I've never known. And a respect that, even though I know I've earned it, lifts me up. He's brought out a strength in me I never knew I had. He and I have that fairy-tale kind of love that's worth fighting the distance for. I love you. Thank you for being my right-hand man, best friend, lover, and protector (when I actually need it). When you're gone, I replay all of my favorite moments of us together and they give me strength.