Influential people in my life...

Dave and I just finished reading(listening too) The Five People You Meet In Heaven. We decided to try a book on tape, due to the many interruptions we have while trying to read at home. It has been fun to listen to it together whenever we are in the car. We finished it on our last road trip to Idaho. We both enjoyed the book and I began reflecting over some of the influential people in my life. Here are a few:

Julie Blick--for giving me the confidence and experience to get through school and get a degree! Not only did I get the degree, but I graduated with honors!

Wayne Carlos--another influential person in my life--although he may not realize it! He hired me as his Director for a preschool in Ogden. After a year of working there and gaining experience, he walked in one day and fired me! It was crazy times--and through some friends, I quickly got a job at a local hospital, met Barb, who eventually set me up with Dave--my loving and supporting husband. Looking back, it was no coincedence that Wayne fired me when he did--I just didn't know what my Heavenly Father had in store for me!

Kathy Morgan was a Relief Society President I had while attending the college ward in Twin Falls, Idaho. She made me her "project" during my wandering years! And I didn't mind a bit! It was her influence and belief in me that helped me gain a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In turn, this led me to the desire to serve a mission for the LDS Church--an experience that turned my life around and brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and family--the foundation of my life. Thanks Kathy for your unconditional friendship!

Annette and Tom Tucker--my college ward bishop and his wife who became two of my greatest friends during early college life! What a great influence--thanks you two!

Scot--my brother who continues to watch over me from Heaven--even after all these years! I often feel he is the guardian angel over my children and influences me to make the best of each day! Can't wait to see what our reunion in Heaven will be like!

Now, for all of you readers, keep in mind that there are many of you who have had a significant influence in my life. However, if you have not read the book, the 5 people are not the people you come in contact with daily or frequently. They are simply people that have crossed your path and influenced you--people who come and go--and you may really never know the reason they entered your life. These people I listed are ones I don't really stay in contact with any more, however, thier influence in my life was real and significant. And thank you to all those who continue to be there for me--for your advice, direction, influence and friendship!