Influential People in My Life

There are many people (both dead and alive) who have been influential and an inspiration in my life…Where do I begin though???
* My Parents: I have to put my mom and dad at the top of the list since they were the ones who brought me into this world. They both were a godly example and although they sheltered me and I hated it at the time they were influential because they made sure my life was not infested with the junk of the world.
* Pastor Roy Harris “Preacher” : My first pastor that I can remember. As a little girl I could remember looking up into “preacher’s” eyes and apologizing for being disobedient during church. He may have looked scary to a little five year old but he was a man who loved God and preached God’s Word. I remember I would hug him almost every Sunday. To this day when I see him (which is once every ten years) he still gets a hug.
*Aunt Phyllis: Gave me my love for books. She bought me my set of Little House on the Prairie and several of my books she has given me. I remember her always reading. She would also take the time and braid my hair for me. I miss her hugs and kisses. She was always at the special events in my life: birthday/s until I was 13, Graduation from high-school and college. I will miss her being at my wedding when that day comes.
*Uncle David: We shared something special…a heart condition. I had open heart surgery he had open hear surgery…we compared “zippers.” He was a wonderful uncle and very loving…
*Aunt Theresa- Love for music, sewing, and drawing. The last thing I received from her was a drawing on notebook paper that said “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” It is now framed with her picture…the last I saw her. I think she knew that would be the last time she would see her extended family but as a 8—9 year old I didn’t know that….I remember her being the first person that went to heaven in the family and I remember the late night phone call (because I answered it) and had to wake my dad up to take the phone call.
*Pastor and Mrs. Masitto- My “parents” away from my parents. Two people that have a heart for others and are caring. They took the time years ago to intervene and talk to me (and let me talk to them) about a situation I was in. They were loving and caring and never reprimanded me when I needed the reprimanding. They have taken the time to talk when my friend and I stop by. Even the simple hugs Mrs. Masitto gives is an encouragement. Pastor Masitto preaches the Word of God and you can tell it comes from His heart and from God’s Word—I am thankful for his pastorship.Plus they never mind (or at least seem not to mind) when Angela and I hops by and visits them.
*Mrs. Smolder- My "adopted grandma". I grew up without a grandmother and Mrs. Smolder has almost made me know what it felt like to have a grandmother.


The list can go on and I may add to it as I think of some more things =)