Footprints

There are people who touch the lives of other people, and leave a footprint. Sometimes it's a heel mark on your back, other times it's the shape a mold of the person you become.

I was thinking about the people in my life who have left their footprint.

First and foremost, and always #1, is my paternal grandmother. She probably didn't realize it, but she molded me into the woman I grew to become. She was the sanity in an otherwise insane world. The anchor I held on to when circumstances beyond my control wreaked havoc and destruction in my life. She was my role model, my savior, my hero. I miss her dreadfully.

Patricia Wampler - was my 6th grade Social Studies teacher. She was the first person who ever told me that I had a special mind, and could achieve anything I could conceive. I never forgot Miss Wampler's words; moreso, I believed Miss Wampler's words. When times got hard (and they did,) I replayed her words in my mind, and found the motivation to succeed. Thank you, Miss Wampler - wherever you are.

My Father - he was not a Mr. Cleaver dad; very far from it. In fact, in totality, he did more harm than good, however, he did teach me that whatever I would become, was entirely up to me. There were no family vacations, no happy gatherings around the supper table. There was no praise for good grades, no interest in school activities, no cheering section at the varsity games, no smiling face in the audience of the school play. I was not encouraged to stretch my limits, get an education, or even asked 'How was your day?' What I did receive though, was the ever present edict: "If you get pregnant, don't bother coming home." It's so sad to say but, I never ever heard that he was proud of me, until I heard his boss say so at his eulogy. Thank you dad, for not raising me with an attitude of entitlement.

MW - This one definately left footprints. Both physically, and figuratively. I am a believer that everything happens for a reason. This man, while probably my biggest mistake, also taught me a very valuable life lesson. Until him, I had never experienced a broken heart. Not really. High school drama doesn't count; and I really never even had that. But if not for MW, I would never have known what it feels like to love so deeply, and have that love thrown back at you and shit upon. Thank you MW for teaching me humility.

Carolyn Robinson - She was my high school guidance councilor. She was the person who said that even though no one at home cared whether or not I attended school, I must. She was the one who said I could go to any college or university in the country. She was the one who sat with me for hours, filling out applications, proof reading essays, helping me with financial documents. She was the one who said "You are going to leave your mark on the world, you'll see - trust me." And I did trust her. Thank you Mrs Robinson for guiding me in the right direction.

My Sister - What can I say? We don't speak. Our lives have taken diametrically opposite paths. But she has left her footprint too. She taught me that blood isn't always thicker than water. She taught me that the old adage "You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family" is not necessarily true. Thank you Karen, for teaching me that it feels good to take the high road.

My Brother - My brother has turned out to be my cross to bear in life. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I firmly believe that if one is capable, one should help the less fortunate. But my brother has taught me compassion. My heart aches for him, and for his situation, and for his lot in life; albeit a lot he chose. Thank you Steve for reminding me that it's good to give.

Last but not least, My Mom - Legally, she is my step-mother, but in my heart, she is blood. This woman married a widower with 3 children, ages 14, 7, & 2. She left her home country and came to a strange place to raise another woman's kids - married to a virtual stranger, and one who was abusive, who cheated & drank, who stayed out for nights on end. There was a hot meal on our table 3 times a day, 7 days a week. There were clean clothes, and a pristine home. Happy times (when my father was out fishing.) She never treated any of us as though we weren't hers. I tell people to this very day that I cannot say my biological mother would have treated me any better. I love her as if she gave birth to me, and I will do for her whatever she may need or want. Thank you Mom for teaching me that yes, in fact you can pick your family, and that the presence of a good woman in the home can overcome just about any hardship.