thankful on a thursday

There are just some people in life who are special.  Those individuals that touch your heart, challenge your mind, nurture your soul.  I pray that everyone has at least one person they can look up to, one person that they are amazingly thankful to have!  These are a few of the people close to me, and some of the wonderful lessons I have learned from them:

one -> my husband

Mikey has the most wonderful way of caring about people and thinking about situations.  Especially since we've been married (three years next month! woohoo!), he has shown me through his amazing example what it means to love someone unreservedly.  Even on the days where I am being extra difficult, he is full of love and tries to understand where I am coming from.  And when I start to get fearful that I am too much for him to deal with sometimes, he reassures me that his love will never go away...that he loves me as I am...not seeing people (me included!) as good or bad, but everyone as a mix of both.  No bad part of you defines you.  And he has inspired me to look at people with the same grace.

two -> my mom

My mom is the sweetest lady I know.  She can talk to absolutely anyone.  She just cares so obviously for people that they immediately trust her or something.  Not only that, but she is so caring towards her family...especially my dad, my sister, and myself.  Despite being a very successful business woman, she chaperoned tons and tons of our field trips growing up.  She worked part time when we were in middle school, realizing that middle school is one of the most difficult and life-shaping times in a young person's life.  And we just always knew she was there...no matter what, I could, and still can, call on my mom when something good or bad happens, and she will always listen, always give good advice, and always love me.  She has shown me that, although there may be obstacles, you can have a successful, fulfilling career and still be an absolutely amazing mother and wife!

three -> my dad

This lovable man is super smart, and he has shown me the beauty of learning new things and challenging oneself.  He is always learning something new.  I swear he would win jeopardy if he went on the show because he is such a wealth of information about so many things.  He has a three inch book about cod...the fish.  And that is just one example of the hundreds of books he has read, taking up bookshelf after bookshelf in their home!  I cherish so many of the conversations we have had over the years.  Even when I was young, I remember embarking on some pretty deep discussions with my dad, and he has taught me so much through that.  I really respect him, and I am thankful for the love of learning he has thoroughly instilled in me.  I hope to pass that on to my own kids one day.

four -> my ballet teacher, Ms. Shields

Terry Ellen Shields was a professional ballet dancer with some of the top companies.  After a shift in fortunes and the loss of her husband, she became an absolutely fantastic ballet teacher.  I started dancing with her at the age of 8 and continued on with her until I left for college.  She loves God and loves her students so much, and it shows!  Not only does her deep caring drive her students to perform better and better, but she also instills a sense of discipline.  She demands your best, and I am so thankful that she taught me to push myself as hard as I can, to reach for goals that may seem unattainable, and to have fun in the process.  I miss ballet so much, but even more, I miss this beautiful lady! I cherish my memories with her, and I love when I do get the chance to visit with or talk to her...although those opportunities are rare.  She has such a beautiful and strong spirit, and I am better for knowing her.

There are so many more people that have impacted me in some way or another through the years, but these four in particular have shaped me into who I am today! And I am eternally grateful.