Greatest Influences

I have been fortunate in my life to have had many great influences. My "Pappaw" was my hero growing up, or my hero of yesterday. My adopted father is my hero of today. Then, my son is my hero of tomorrow. I use the word "hero" because of the tremendous amount of influence each of these men have put into my life, even as I continue to grow today.

My "Pappaw" was the greatest influence or hero to my childhood. Hence, he is the hero of my yesterday. He was a deputy sheriff, which meant I felt safe and secure in his presence and out of it also. Then, I was the youngest and closest of all the grandchildren, so that made our bond beyond that of any of the other grandchildren. Due to this bond and the fact I had no father in my early childhood, he was my greatest influence. Thus, he earned the hero award for being my greatest influence in my past.

My "Daddy" or my adopted father, has earned the title of hero for my present. He entered my life right before my grandfather passed away. He was a strict and responsible man, which back then I didn't care for. However, his strict and responsible nature has influenced in becoming the mother that I am today. His patriotism for his country is the reason I served in the United States Army National Guard. His financial responsibility is how I manage mine and how my bills are paid today. Lastly, his strictness when needed is how I manage my son today.

My "Lil Bud" or my son is the grandest influence in all my life. He is still maturing at the great age of fourteen and already has a clue as to what living is about. To set the perfect example, he belongs to the ROTC and FBLA. He is now living the teenage years I wanted to. Then, he is mature and responsible in all that he does. Most of all, last but not least, he enjoys life no matter what strife he is faced with.

My greatest influences, and my male, father figures in life are also the heroes of my yesterday, my past, and my present. Through showing me responsibility, pride, and love, they have all shown me how to be the woman that I am today. Through their leadership and guidance, I can be proud of who I am today. I am greatly touched by the three men in my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way!