Close to 6 years ago, I met an amazing woman. To most people, she would seem just like your average, friendly person. After a conversation with her, well, that's when you see the amazing.
[P] is a mother of 3. She and her family moved out here, away from family and friends when her kids were little. She was the first one to give me hope that my kids could turn out well without having extended family actively involved in their day to day lives. Her kids are just as amazing as she is. They are good and kind and smart. They seem to embrace what life has to offer. They aren't perfect, or so I've been told, but I'm not sure I believe it.
One of the first things I remember thinking about [P] was what a fun mom she was. Back when I met her I was in debilitating pain. I could barely sit on the floor and play with my infant and toddler let alone go snowboarding. I remember thinking how I wished that when my kids got older, I could do all that fun stuff with them. Years later, my pain is not debilitating anymore, but I am still no where near as fun as [P]! She is as full of as much light and energy as her kids!
Being a fun parent isn't the only reason she inspires me. She is also a good person. A couple years ago, I hit the lowest of low points in my parenting life and didn't know how I was going to make it through and I was sure I was failing as a mother. I asked her to coffee to see if I could get the secrets to how she did it. She may not know, but she really put my mind at ease that day. She took time to just sit and listen. It actually takes someone very special to do that.
Her faith is unshakable. That is actually a trait I have noticed in all the people who inspire me. Their faith. Like I said earlier, [P] moved here with no family, but she found family in her church. She has raised her children to have strong faith as well. No matter how hard I try, this is just one area I can't grasp. I desperately want my children to have faith in something...anything...to help them get through the hard times, but I can't help them when I'm completely lost in that area. I keep trying though. She is actually the one who inspired me to try going back to church.
I know that [P] doesn't know how much of an inspiration she is to me. I'm actually ashamed I haven't told her sooner, being as I try to tell people what they mean to me all the time. So, here it is....thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being an inspiration, not only as a mother,but as a person. Thank you for reminding me that parenting can still be fun. Thank you for allowing your children to be part of our lives as they are great role models for my kids. You are truly amazing!