Lori-Ann Cheryl M

I'd like to nominate my mother as my hero. My mom has showed me what sacrifice, perseverance and love are all about by living as a great selfless model. She dropped out of high school to raise me... alone, and had to put much of her dreams on hold. When I was six, my little brother died of S.I.D.S. After that my mom went back and got her GED, and followed it up with a Child Psychology degree. I remember my mom dropping me off at junior high and heading to her university classes. I was blessed by her example, she loved me and she fought for me, often working two jobs while raising a young boy alone. I always had everything I could have needed although you can be assured it was rarely easy for her. I was old enough and lucky enough to see my mom graduate from university. Somehow my mom managed to make it through all the adversity in her life and still come out on top. She is the biggest reason why no matter how many times I get knocked down in life, I have an indescribable desire to get back up and take it head on. Her model of love and self-sacrifice was what shaped me into being the man I am today. And have been able to give back in some small way what I received.

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Your Comments
Ola Ola from Nigeria JULY 28, 2009
You may not know how far this story has gone to help. But you will feel the impact in the world. Thank you for sharing.
Dale N. from Forty Fort, PA JULY 24, 2009
I'm forty and restless also! I just lost my father to liver cancer on July 2 and my third child, a baby girl, is days away! Although I have a comfortable career as an environmental consultant, my true passions have never seemed to stay on top with life's demands. Thank you for reminding me they are never far away! I will finish my student pilot license from 10 years ago and finally start to combine my photography and writing to share the world from my eyes and heart with everyone. It is that natural beauty that constantly awakens my soul! Thanks again!
Maria L. from Texas FEBRUARY 24, 2009
Thank you for sharing your story. Sometimes it's just nice to know that I'm not the only one who feels lost and without a purpose. I know I have something great to offer the world. I just can't seem to get a hold of what that is and less on how to share it. Your story inspires me, however, to take a deep look at my life and do some soul-searching to figure it out. Thank you.
Olivia Lee from China, Xi FEBRUARY 23, 2009
I have not been very successful in my life because the education I had in China. Many people feel the same way and they just give up. But I don't want to. I sent this article to my sister who is 36 years old and is studying English at home. She didn't go to college. I want us both and many others pursue our dreams no matter how old we are.
Maggie E. from America FEBRUARY 10, 2009
Right now I am stuck in what seems to be a dead end job. I get home completely drained and wiped out barely able to get dinner on the table and help my daughter with her homework. Weekends are busy catching up with chores around the house. I do dream though and with a week's shut down I am taking more time to just breathe. This story inspires me to reach for my dreams. I dream of writing and sharing my stories. One day - some day I WILL break into print.
Margaret D. from Red Bay, AL, USA NOVEMBER 29, 2008
Laid off from my job, I decided to go back to school. At the same time, my daughter and her three children moved in with me until they could find a place to live closer to her husband's job. I took a full 12 hours and came home to help her with the children because she had health problems. Studying was a hassle, and I was so exhausted that I cried and prayed for strength. My teachers were so encouraging that I felt that I couldn't let them down and the grandchildren were so sweet that I could never say no to their needs. By grace, I am almost through the first semester and I may finish the course...I would like to be a psychologist if I can do it - I will be seventy-one when I graduate. Your story is an encouragement to fulfill my dream.
Mark D. from Victoria, BC, Canada OCTOBER 8, 2008
Inspiring words. They give me motivation to strive for the best in myself, and to look for the best in others.
Bobby SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
That is so great! I'm so proud of you too just quit your job and start ALL OVER! That must be depressing. I'm sorry.
Tyrell, Z from London AUGUST 5, 2008
Thank you. Right now I feel lost, I am at that age where I know I have more to offer, I know I want to be a motivational speaker but do not know where to start. I feel like I am in a jar, I can see what is happening but do not know how to get out! I will get out.
Debbie G. from Tampa, Florida JULY 31, 2008
I too have lived a similar story. I graduated college at 40 to pursue my dream of being a teacher but now at 45 am feeling there is something more I should do. I would love to become a children's book author. I found this article through a TV commercial and I'm so glad I checked it out...your story has given me hope. Thanks and Blessing.
Heinz P. from Bonn, Germany JULY 22, 2008
Wow! This is the kind of stuff all people need. Thanks, this article will definitely help me realise my dreams, which nobody holds for real. Bless you!
Tina B. from Oklahoma, USA JUNE 5, 2008
What an inspiring story! You rock! I am almost 37 years old, and my situation is somewhat similar, and it was very nice to know that someone else out there feels the same way as I do. I guess it just helps to know that I'm not alone in my life struggles. I, too, feel that life begins at 40, and that one should never give up on their dreams, no matter what their age. Age is just a number.
Manisha Gupta from India MAY 27, 2008
Really, it is a very encouraging story. After reading this I can do what I want. Thanks for encouraging us.
Alysia S. from Hatfield, PA MAY 14, 2008
Great story. Kudos for following your dreams. What a gift you've given your children.
Monique Z APRIL 15, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS.......you followed your dream...and never gave up. What an inspiration to others. Your parents must be so proud!
Kim L from Red Wing, MN APRIL 6, 2008
I feel I was reading my own story except I am still in the middle of my (your) story. I was drawn to you for a reason. Connections run far and wide. Thank you for sharing your story.
Olivia L. FEBRUARY 23, 2008
I have been wondering whether it is too late for me to find out what I can do with my life now when I am already 37. I need to find a new job--sometimes I feel a little scared. I was ever so happy to reed this inspirational story. I see hope in myself.
Kate W. from Richmond, Virginia USA FEBRUARY 21, 2008
Thank you for sharing your story! I, too am pursuing my dream, and love the 40-year-old goal! You go girl!
Kirthishri M.V. from Bangalore, India FEBRUARY 8, 2008
Awesome! I am also working for a different field and am also highly interested in interior decoration. When I read this story it was like reading my own! I am really wonder struck. Thanks for sharing your story and uplifting my spirits!
Mariaisabel Z. from Brooklyn, New York USA FEBRUARY 4, 2008
I love this story. It shows that it truly is never to late to fight for you dream. If there is a will there really is a way.

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