The first person I thought of was Miranda (Chasteen) Blankenbeker. She was my camp counselor when I was in elementary school. Miranda is 10 years and 2 days older than me. Yes, I realize that is a weird thing to remember; however, I am the Rainman of dates. Anyway, Miranda and her mother, Jane, were my favorite counselors and I always requested to be in their cabin. They were always very kind and loving to me and not just at camp. Miranda even took the time to come pick me up one weekend and take me home with her to spend a weekend with her and her family. We did not live close either. It was an hour drive; however, she took time out of her life to show love to a kid by spending time with me. Not only that, but I was part of her wedding. She always referred to me as her little sister and her family accepted me as if I was. This was the first family, besides my own, that made me feel as if I was a part of their family.
The next person I thought about was Paula Sowders. Paula was my Sunday school teacher. Before my family moved to Mitchell, when we would visit I would always go to her class on Sunday mornings. She was one of the first people in Mitchell I knew before we came to live her. I remember my first day at Burris Elementary running into her and feeling a little peace because I had a familiar face around. I was eight years old and terrified of starting at a new school in the middle of the year but the fact that she was there brought me some peace on that first day.
Next comes Marian Stephens. Marian was the first teacher I had in Mitchell. She made me feel very welcome especially since I came in the middle of the school year. I believe the exact date was January 26, 1996. It was a Friday. I'm not positive on that but that is neither here nor there. Marian later became a very important part of my family. She lived next to my grandmother so I saw her often. After her mother passed we adopted her in as Aunt Marian. She was at every Slone family dinner, family vacations, and even in family pictures. When I was in the sixth grade instead of going home by myself, I would ride the bus over to Burris and hang out with her. When she fell ill and was in the hospital, a member of the Slone family was constantly with her at all times. We made sure one of us was always there to be in the fight with her.
One of the most influential people in my life was Gerald Tolliver. There is a lot I could say about Tolliver; however, I have spoken of him and his significance in my life several times. He was a grandfather figure in my life and his death still resonates with me. At his funeral I introduced myself to one of his sons. He said to me, and I'm probably paraphrasing a little, "Dad talked about you frequently and for him to remember you out of all the students he had says a lot." If I ever had a doubt about my significance to him, it was quickly swept away with that. He will always be one of the most influential people in my life because he is part of who I am today.
It is also essential that I mention Curt and Beth Parsley. During my time off from school, I spent a lot of time with them and their son, Jake. They were and still are my 2nd family. They even took me on Parsley Family Vacation with them. They have shown me love and kindness even in times were it was hard to do so.They continue to be faithful participants in my life.
I could not write this blog and not speak of Gary Spear. He is the most influential person in my life. I did not fully appreciate him in high school and it was not until later that I realized his significance in my life during those years. I was too distracted and unwilling to see it then. The most significant growth I have had over the past few years is due to his influence and faithfulness in my life. Even during the times when I find it hard to love myself, he reminds me how much I am loved. He has taught me how to think through things rationally, how to be still, and how to show love to people who are need of love and kindness. Words are not enough to express my gratitude.
It is because of the influence of these people that I am the person that I am. The most important thing I learned from all of these individuals is God's love for me. When I feel disposable and insignificant all I have to do is think of these people who have loved me and be reminded that I am enough. I am loved even during the darkest times. My life is full of those reminders because of people who took the time to show love to a kid that was not theirs to love. My life is better because of them.
Readers, take the time to be selfless.
