10 People Who Have Influenced Me (In no particular order)
1. My parents. I'm counting them as one person here and I hope they don't mind. My parents were the first great influence on my life. They taught me so many things and continue to teach me things even into adulthood. Here are two that stand out. It's okay to make mistakes. It is important to always do MY best and not that important to be THE best. Because I learned these things, I have been more willing to take risks, more able to accept disappointment and move on from it a stronger person, and I feel a confidence that apparently is more unique than I thought it was.
2. Janelle Butler Simmons. I sometimes tell people she saved my life. I truly believe this. Janelle was my visiting teacher, for those that know LDS lingo, shortly after my divorce. That was a super tough time for me and she was the friend I needed to help keep me going many times over.
3. Scott Pederson. Scott was the first person to teach me how to laugh at myself. I have always been way too serious and it was way worse as a teenager. Scott made life fun and gave me the courage I needed to start laughing.
4. Stacey Hesson Gillespie. My SISTER! I love this girl. She really is my best friend and I get to be her sister. It's awesome. I am always amazed by how much love she has for me. She makes me feel like I could do anything. I love her for that and so many other reasons. Sometimes I think Stacey should have been the older sister. She is so loyal and will kick someone's butt if they cross a person she loves. I am pretty sure I learned all about loyalty from my little sister.
5. Kendall Williams and Christopher Prince. Again, two people counting as one. These were the missionaries from the LDS Church that taught me all about the LDS Church. Their testimonies and strength were influential in my ultimate decision to join the LDS Church: One of the best decisions of my life.
6. JoAnn Moghimi. This woman is one of my newer friends! We became fast friends a few years ago when we were introduced through mutual friends. JoAnn is loyalty to the max. She has my back, but gives me a swift kick in the pants as needed. We laugh together and cry together and just get each other. She has never judged me and always seems to know when I need her. I love you, JoAnn!
7. Darren and Emily Ernst. I know I'm cheating, but they go together! Darren and Emily showed me what a marriage could really be like. They were the first people that reached out to me as my marriage fell apart. Though we haven't lived close since that time, I have kept in touch with them. Because of their example, their love for one another, and their faith in me I had hope that there was something better out there for me. Guess what?! There was and it is wonderful.
8. Jim Jacobs. Jim was my first boss out of graduate school. He was my supervisor as I pursued my licensure in clinical social work. He became a dear friend. I see Jim as the older brother I never had. I know his life isn't perfect, but it is lived with a faith I want to have.
9. Brooke Anderson. Brooke was one of my BYU roommates. I love her and I love that although we live about as far apart from one another as we can get (me in FL and her in WA), we still are part of one another's lives. Brooke is so creative and so thoughtful. She inspires me to be the best mom and wife I can be as she selflessly does those things herself. She is a true friend and I cherish her so much.
10. Jared Krause. My hubbabaloo. I love this guy. He has influenced my life for good in so many ways. He taught me to love again and he taught me it was safe to be loved. He had to be pretty patient and for that I am so grateful. We have a good life together. It is crazy and busy and chaotic, but it is our little life. It is so full and I am proud to be Mrs. Krause.
Love you Andrea. Our relationship is selfish on my part because I get so much from you! I'm flattered to be a part of your tribe. You are real and you are so optimistic. You are easy to love.
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