Ya know Dylan it's great that you get here and start these decent threads. I just love it. Maybe you can give some lessons too the other forum members. Anyway, to answer the question. I really don't think this is what you were looking for and I'll give it some more though, but I'm going to start out w/ the FFR forum members. They make a difference to my day. As you can see, I spend a large chuck of my day w/ them and they make me laugh. Sometimes cry. sometimes tear out my own hair but in the end of the day -when asked how my day was I'll say you won't believe what happened on FFR today. (especially that Wuf Ter) You guys were truely the highlight of my b-day. I can't wait to do the same for confuzzed on Friday. To sum it up I love you guys.
The person who has really made a difference in my life (other than my parents or my husband) would have to be my Uncle David. My mom and dad divourced when I was 5, and he was like a dad to me. He was my hero. He's an artist, and if it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't be a graphic designer now. He would always take me to go see movies or concerts and really connected me with the world. When I look back on my hobbies and the things I enjoy now, more than half of those are due to his influences.
It's seems like an obvious one, but it's also more true everyday. My father is a huge influence on me. I learned from him the attitude of "Walk the Talk". He has always been a man that didn't just speak of what should be done, he throws himself in and does it. Now at 82 and in poor health, one of my greatest joys is being able to do for him and repay some of what he has done for me.
Another HUGE influence is my wife. She truly is Superwoman. I can't list all the things she handles day-in and day-out. She holds our family together, and I am BLESSED to have her.
And a nod to Fr. Larry McBrady and the late Fr. Phillip Neehnan. These two men were strong examples of deep faith and spiritual development combined with strong, practical leadership.
Now that I'm thinking about it some more, I need to add another. My ex boyfriend really made a difference in my life. His name is George. At a time and a position where he could've really taken advantage of me, he took things slow. He taught me a lot about life and love. I would have the awesome relationship I do with my husband now if it weren't for George's influences. From him I learned the value of communication and trust.