WHO was/were the most influential persons in your life so far and why?

[smiley]

Hi you don't need to answer this if you don't wish etc. I was born in the closing years of WWII and Da was still away - obviously Ma was the most influential for a while and unfortunately all I can recall was business - strictness and no real kindness. I think that must have put a rod of steel somewhere in me?

Da finally got back home alive and was the opposite to Ma - suppose that's how they attracted? - he was cuddly ; kind ; attentive and mischievious and for a youngster fun! He was like that for all his kids well two more to be precise - Da and Ma were like ying and yang? - Ma was the disciplinarian and carried the rule book Da quietly broke the rules in our favours!

Grandparents and aunts and uncles were just distant curios - none were really children orientated except one - the youngest girl in a family of 12 kids - she used discipline if at all in a quiet way and always had time for us as individuals. She eventually got married to an Irish man who strangely was the opposite to her and was always poking fun at all the kids including his own. So I suppose you could say there was a smargosboard of personalities in which to grow and bounce our youngselves around with?

I had a brother - miss him always - he died too young - we had some contact as youngsters but not a lot - he went with his gang and I with mine. My sister seemed to be left out of all the mixes and she tells me she felt that too. But after moving in with paternal grandparents we all three returned daily to our lower level roots and played with old friends and mates!

Looking back there was an old friend very close but he eventually broke off ties and to this day can't understand why etc etc. So looking back and overall it has to be DA - calm ; quiet ; thoughtful ; poetry writer [usually all family centred/orientated] - yea he's gotta be the winner above a couple of wives on the way too!!

 

[Aunt Bea]

My paternal grandmother was my rock when I was little. We lived in a section of my grandmother’s huge old farmhouse and she took care of me when my mother was at work. She included me in every aspect of her life and was constantly teaching me in an easygoing matter of fact manner. I was very fortunate not to be parked in front of the television or sent off to daycare like so many millions of small children.

During my tweens and teens I had few friends but there are two that truly accepted and understood me, they are still friends today even though we haven’t seen each other in years we stay in touch through Facebook.

During my adult life I secretly adopted various models in my life when it came to dressing for work, managing my career, finances, investments, etc… Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.

As far as friends in my adult life there have been very few and only one is still living.

No complaints, it’s the quality of the relationships in my life that have been important to me, not the quantity.

 

[Naturally]

Jesus ... no, not the Mexican guy

 

[Rakaia]

My mother whether I like it or not.

 

[OldOld]

I am sure most people are heavily influenced by their parents or someone in this role. Duh?!...

 

[Pinky]

My girlfriend's mother was a Saint, as far as I'm concerned. Her house was open to everyone .. and she never complained about the kids that were always dropping in and out. She is definitely with the Angels in Heaven.

 

[timoc]

Dick Barton - Special Agent, BBC Radio from 1946 to early 50s.

I used to sit spellbound with my Mam and Gran.

 

[IrishEyes]

I think I tried to take the best parts of anyone who spent most time with me.
Each person had this certain flare for something that made them special.
I find I pull up their memory when situations come up that can be connected to them.
I am an Irish Stew made of multiple heroes in my life.

 

[Marcy Sheiner]

My best friend, since age 14, has to be one. Then there was my older sister (deceased now) who I worshipped as a kid. My mother was a mean disgruntled lady who emotionally abused me. My dad was nice, but didn't protect me from her.

 

[Georgiagranny]

1. My grandmothers, maternal more than paternal, but still both
2. My maternal aunts
3. My 4th grade teacher

 

[outlander]

The boogeyman, the tooth fairy, and the Easter bunny

 

[Rae]

My mother and grandfather on my dad's side, he had so many tales to tell and a lovable person. My mother was the main person in our lives (brother and sister) and I couldn't ask for a better mother.

 

[squatting dog]

The who.
Some unknown North Vietnamese soldier.
The why.
Because he missed.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

My parents and grandparents - even my aunt and uncle - all of them - taught me values, and the difference between right and wrong, but in my youth, I often didn't follow them. Only my wife could provide me the motivation to live by those principles.

 

[Oldeagle66]

Two, my step father and an uncle. They taught me responsibility, respect, hard work, compassion and how to be independent.

 

[Babs2u]

Sometimes I think I was ruled by "They" What would they think? What will they say? But I think I got that from my mother and I outgrew a lot of it.

 

[JustBonee]

My parents and grandparents - even my aunt and uncle - all of them - taught me values, and the difference between right and wrong, but in my youth, I often didn't follow them. Only my wife could provide me the motivation to live by those principles.

Same values that formed my life. … ny late husband was a strong force in continuing those life values.

 

[C50]

Several old timer farmers that were neighbors when I was a kid. As a feral kid from a dysfunctional family those old timers kind of mentored me, they taught me that hard work and integrity made a man. I may have been a slow learner but earning their respect always made me keep one foot on the side of good.

 

[Quackers]

Immediate family, but especially my dad - down through to my paternal grandparents
Two of my besties families (more like 'extended families' for me)
I can't grumble at all, I was brought up well even though sometimes I rebelled, like one does especially in teenage years.