By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Last week, we lost a remarkable and talented woman, Barbara Bush. She was the wife of President George H. W. Bush and mother of President George W. Bush. That says a lot about her special traits without mentioning a single other attribute. We’ve all been touched by her dynamic personality.
Of all Barbara Bush’s many accomplishments, I value most her work with the establishment of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Perhaps it’s the writer in me who wants to communicate the written word to every person who has a deep need to read. She was spunky, out-spoken, courageous, and lovable. For certain, she will be missed by all who loved and respected her.
Barbara Bush’s passing caused me to think about the women in my life who’ve mentored me, the ones who’ve helped shape who I am today.
Courage
These women demonstrated strength in the middle of adversity. They convinced me I could be or do anything I wanted and to stand strong. Every day I attempt to emulate their mental and spiritual values. I remember a friend who suffered through cancer and later passed. She’s my hero.
Love
Some women in my life walked with unconditional love. Their deep-rooted affection didn’t have stipulations; it simply was. Love doesn’t judge, draw lines, or is based on race, culture, or beliefs. A dear friend always lets me know I’m loved. She has a listening ear, even if the problem is my own fault.
Faith-filled
These women lived their faith and demonstrated how to stand strong when the rest of world mocked God. They modeled how to pray and hold tight to my biblical beliefs. Two dear aunts who passed years ago inspired me to live a bold faith.
Wit
Some of the women in my life were blessed with wit and made me laugh. No matter how sad a situation, they lifted their chins and found the words to express appropriate humor. This is my sister. When I need to see the world outside myself, I talk to her.
Wisdom
Others possessed the gift of wisdom and shared their insights. From these women, I found a desire to strive to learn something new every day. They instilled in me that when I stop learning, I cease to breathe. A writing friend is blunt with knowledge and wisdom, and I treasure her honesty.
Pay it Forward
I want to be a woman who shares her life experiences with others. We all can be honored women when we think of others before ourselves.
What about those women in your life who shared their gifts to mold you into the person you are today? Have you thanked them? Can you tell us about one woman who is special to you?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Library Tip: Have you created a display featuring Barbara Bush? Old photos and quotes will provide insight about this remarkable woman.
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Comments 9
Genuinely no matter if someone doesn’t know then its up to other
people that they will help, so here it occurs.
She was placed in an orphanage at birth. Her grandmother adopted her, pretended to be her mother as her real mother looked on and was forced to pretend she was her sister. Insecure, she married the first man who treated her well and he was a brute who beat her. She escaped with her two sons, only to have their father steal them back when her location was betrayed by a friend. When I met Jean, she was in her fifties and had taught herself to be a master seamstress, was a locally acclaimed artist and writer, and told delightful jokes. She traveled the world by hitching a ride with any high school choir or economy trip she could afford. She became my surrogate mother and my daughter was her first granddaughter. Every Wednesday evening she gave us a sewing or art lesson, followed by terrible dessert and lively conversation with age appropriate stories. Jean not only survived but she thrived without an ounce of self pity. A remarkable and beautiful woman.
Cathy, what a beautiful story – the kind that brings tears to a reader’s eyes. Jean is an overcomer, an amazing example of God’s grace. Thank you so much for sharing this story. It needs to be in a book!
DiAnn, although my list of woman who have shaped my life is long, I’d like to mention you are among them. Thank you so much for your mentorship. I appreciate you greatly.
Love you.
Sandy, you brought a few tears to my eyes. Thank you for your kind words, and I’m always ready to help. Be blessed!
Although there are many women who have been a big influence in my life, I must agree with Melissa. My mother serves as the biggest influence of all. She read the Bible to me every evening, even those times I rebelled as a child. I am so thankful for her Christian influence, her nurturing, and her examples of how to live life with honor and integrity.
Loretta, thank you! Motherhood is not for the fainthearted – as we found out. But a woman who can direct her children spiritually is remarkable.
My Mother is very special to me. She went to Heaven on Feb. 5, 2013, just days before her 92nd birthday. Mama taught me the love of reading. She took me to the local library and the local book mobile. Whether she was reading the newspaper, a good fiction book or reading a magazine, she showed me that reading was important in learning about life.
Thank you, Melissa, what a wonderful contribution your mother made to your life. You are blessed. Thank you for sharing!