INSPIRING EXAMPLES AROUND US

When I was young I lived in a very small house with my four older brothers, three older sister, my mother and my father. Life was challenging and we didn't have much in the way of material things. My father was unable to provide the full support needed for this large family. I know this must have weighed heavily upon his heart. My mother, in her forties, determined she would make a way to provide for us. This mother of eight arose to the challenge. With her faith, determination, love of her children, and great courage, she went to college and became a school teacher. She sacrificed much, worked extraordinarily hard, leaned on her parents a bit, and succeeded. All of us children will forever be grateful to her for what she did. As the years pass, I remain inspired by my mother and her story. It's been said that history repeats itself. I am witness to the truth of that statement. My youngest daughter has had a most challenging life this past year. She gave birth to a little girl one year ago. She had not planned to be a mother so soon nor was she prepared to be one. The babies father has been of little, if any help, so my daughter has navigated this new life pretty much on her own. As parents, we have been there for her, but she has not dropped the parenting of her daughter on us. I have been so impressed at the amazing mother she is to her daughter. She displays a patience, love and parenting skills I never dreamed would come from her. Realizing that she is going to have to be the one to provide a good life for her daughter, she has worked very hard and prepared the way to go to a professional school. Tomorrow she will begin her education, full time, to become a Dental Assistant. She will do this while continuing to work her daily job as a gymnastics coach. As I've watched her doing what needs to be done to move forward and provide for her little family, I've often thought of my mother. My siblings and I have all been richly blessed because of our amazing mother and her example. I am now privileged to witness once again, an amazing mother in the person of my daughter.  With sacrifice, courage, hard work, and leaning on her parents a bit, she, like my mother, will make a better life for her family. 

There are inspiring stories and examples all around us. May we all become familiar with them and draw strength and inspiration for our own lives. You never know, like me, you may find some of those within your own family.