What Inspires?
Finding Inspiration in Family, Role Models, and Life's Simple Moments
WHAT INSPIRES
I was recently asked, "Who inspires you?" It shouldn't have been that hard of a question, but it caught me off guard. For someone who always has something to say—some wise opinion or, better yet, a wisecrack—I was speechless. Trying to identify who or what has been most influential in my life, I didn't know where to begin.
I can start by saying that being born into a loving family gave me a solid foundation from which to view the world. My father was a strong, hardworking, and loving man. My mother was a strong, opinionated, smart woman. As the middle child, I struggled a bit to find my place in the family. Taking on the role of peacemaker and comedienne helped me navigate my family and the world beyond. Even today, I rely on those skills, allowing me to empathize with others and put them at ease.
What else has influenced my life? My mother, a feminist and resilient woman, had a profound impact on me. I watched her return to school, earn two degrees, and become a teacher, department chair, assistant principal, and secondary school principal—all within a five-year period. She was tough but also deeply compassionate. While I could hardly compete with her determination and ambition, I believe her strength and love of teaching and writing were passed down to me. When my husband died of cancer and left me to raise a young son, her example of strength, purpose, and dedication to teaching had a tremendous impact and helped us through a very difficult time.
And today, what continues to inspire me? Perhaps the aging process has made me acutely aware that it is the little things—the simple, day-to-day moments—that are the truest sources of inspiration. When I am with my two rambunctious, delightful grandsons, Fen and Foster, I become young again. It's only later that I feel every year and every muscle in my body! Their laughter and curiosity are infectious. Because of these two characters, I have now been inspired to write children's books. To date, I have written and published five children's books, with another one on the way!
Besides a strong foundation, wonderful role models, and a loving family, I have amazing friends who put others before themselves every day. Their compassion and humility inspire me to try to do the same. How fortunate I am to be inspired by so many people. My only hope is that I have given back as much as I have received and will continue to do so for as long as I am on this planet.
So much for being speechless!
