My mom, Luella H., who at 86 years young is today, the President of the local seniors' organization and family matriarch. She loved learning and was my foremost teacher. She gave birth to 12 children in 16 years! She is a farmer's wife and a church activist, yet still acquired her GED at 69. Her family tradition was that the 'girls' went to school through 9th grade (the 'boys' graduated from high school). The 'girls' went to work at 15 because they would marry husbands who would take care of them. Mom taught us the value of hard work—often saying 'Bloom where you are planted!' 'Be observant of the world around you—make it better.' 'Share your time and talent.' 'Learn from others.'
Thankfully, mom is still with us, blooming in her own activities and modeling for four generations the value of an honest day's work, deep faith, commitment and love of family and friends. Thanks, mom!
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
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