Who Has Shaped My Life

I started attending church when I was 10 years old after being invited by my piano teacher's daughter.  There was always something going on for children and youth.  Weenie roasts, volleyball games, camping trips, anything to keep the kids involved.  The members of the church were always willing to do anything that was needed.  These same people were there for me when I got married, had children and when my father passed away.  I was a member for 25 years and firmly believe that what I was taught there helped to shape my life.


During the summer when school was out and I was too young to stay by myself while my parents worked, I stayed with my uncle and aunt.  My mom took me by their house every morning and I let myself in the back door.  My uncle wasn't there, he had already left to go have coffee with his friends.  When I would pass by their bedroom, I would hear my aunt reading her Bible and praying.  She wasn't loud, I would not have heard her had I not been in the next room.  Her everyday life mirrored how she acted behind closed doors.  That was MANY years ago but I believe she helped to shape my life.


I attended elementary school in the 1960s and rules were a lot different then.  Students were allowed to advance in subjects even if their classmates did not.  You could play dodge ball without complaining that someone hit you with the ball.  Every participant did not get a ribbon on field day, only the winners were recognized.  I had teachers who would encourage me in the subjects that I excelled at and help me with the ones I struggled with.  I can remember all of my teacher's names even though it was a long time ago.  They helped to shape my life to what it is today.


I have a great aunt that I have written about before.  She lived in the apartment beside of us when Eric and I got married.  She was a gentle soul who never raised her voice or gossiped.  I wish I could say that living near her made me be like her,  but I can't.   The memory of her quiet voice will always stay with me.  She will never know, but she helped to shape my life.


My parents grew up in the Depression Era.  Like everyone else, they did not have much.  Yet they worked hard, shared what they had, raised 3 children and loved us dearly.  Family meant the world to them and they helped us out many times.  I wish I had told them how much I appreciated all that they did, somehow I think they knew.   They shaped me every day.


My life could have taken on many shapes without these people.  They have made me what I am today.  I hope one day someone will think that I was a good influence in their life.  What a wonderful thing to be.