Who's had the biggest influence on your life?

hope777 wrote:

Your ex-MIL sounds very nice. Not many can say that about "the in-laws." lol

My biggest influences are my mom and dad, my brother, Steven (who, along with my dad has passed away), and my sons. Having my children definitely changed my life. My dad was my hero, very good-hearted man. I admire my mother's strength and independence. My brother seemed to love me more than anyone else in this world, and he was my best friend. He never talked bad about anyone and would always do so many good things for people from all walks of life.

My ex mil was almost a saint. I heard her say one curse word in all the years I have known her. You are lucky to have so many good influential people in your life. Your brother sounds like no other.

My mom has a big influence in my life too. She feeds every animal that comes to her door. The squirrels literally knock on her door when they are hungry. She hands them a piece of bread or whatever she has that day. She gives to anyone who is in need. She is not gullible though. She is very smart in many ways. She trys to do a good deed everyday.

hope777 wrote:

Sounds like the "apple does not fall far from the tree," LM! I am sure that her love of animals influenced you. 🙂

Not to get too overly sentimental, but you have influenced my life in many ways. You always build me up and keep me on a positive track. You point out strengths that I don't realize I have. You are a wonderful friend who I am blessed to know. 😳 🌹

Aw, thanks Hope. You are there when I need you, always being supportive. I appreciate you very much. 🙂

GambleMaster wrote:

I think it's my grandmother! She is the kindest person I've ever met, always makes rational decisions, there is no person that may have said anything negative about her and she knows how to be a good friend, a good parent and a good cook too 😜

Good for you GM! I never knew my grandparents sadly. They lived in another state, far from us. I saw them maybe twice in my life. (on my mom's side) My paternal gma died before my dad was even married. My paternal gpa lived in the same town but we rarely saw him.

hope777 wrote:

My mom's sister, my Aunt Norma, taught me how different two people, born 16 months apart can truly be. She taught me how not to take life too seriously and to really have fun. She was always very loving toward me and my siblings, because she had no children of her own. She encouraged my writing and we could talk about books for days on end. She was a character who smoked like a chimney, gave up beer for Lent, only to drink her wine, and she stopped cleaning her house after she retired, lol. She also taught me how to make a mean manicotti. 🙂

I'm sure she will appreciate you mentioning her. 🙂 Manicotti sounds delicious at the moment.

My Aunt Pearl was a person who always bought us something for Christmas. If not for her, many Christmases we would have had nothing. She always bought us Easter baskets too. One year she didn't and we got nothing until a day later, probably when they went on sale. She smoked like a chimney too but always had a smile on her face. I can see her now. 🙂 She was very giving.

That is another thing we have in common. I bet lots of people have more things in common than they do not.

Thanks GM. I had a great mother-in-law. Her mother was like a grandma to me, so I didn't completely lose out. She was a very kind woman as was her daughter. 🙂 I'm sure your grandchildren will have fond memories of you.