My grandmothers both were feisty women, one wished she could have been like Amelia Earhart but still lived a life of adventure in a different country and one always said she wanted to go skydiving. They both taught me various life skills and tried to help guide me.

My mother always was happy to see us, spent hours and hours reading us stories (some of my favorite memories), was very thoughtful about designing a life that would be good for me and not just luxurious/easy, put a great deal of time and energy into raising me, and somehow managed to keep me from ever being molested or raped, something which I now realize is a herculean effort.

A neighbor lady I used to do chores for as a teen once heard me talking about a book I had liked but had lost in a move and bought it for me. I will always remember the spontaneous kindness of that sweet old lady.

My first boss was living a very hard life at the time but she was extremely kind to me and helped me find my feet in my first real job.

The quiverfull daughter bloggers who helped me escape the cultic religion I grew up in.

So many others, including you lovely women here who have taught me a HUGE amount!