better because...

we are all made better and made the people we are through the people that we know and meet throughout our lives.  everyone that you meet has a specific role in your life...whether it is a small role or a incredibly huge one, there is still a reason your lives paths crossed.
i was recently asked the question of who has made me who i am and strive to be.  i've pondered this and come up with a great list of people.  of course i would never be able to cover all the hundreds of people that have made an impact or been an example in my life, but at least i can touch on some of them.

MOM
she's instilled in me forever the desire to do good.  i never want to disappoint my mommy.  my mom is also a great example of service and giving to others.  she is always making dinner, helping out, weeding, or just talking to someone else and making their day.

DAD
taught me hard work.  seldom do i see my dad wasting time or not doing some kind of work.  i've learned that whatever it is i want to be good at, hard work needs to come along with it.  i've also learned that when little things go bad it is okay and they shouldn't turn into a big deal.  he's always so laid back and patient even while working so hard.

SISTER ERIKA
Erika has always been my role model in everything.  she's always accepted me-even back in my weirdest days.  i've always admired how she made people feel and how everyone always wanted to be around her because she was so much fun!  i have also watched her be extremely nonjudgmental towards others.  she is friends with many different types of people and is always understanding, an example, and a wonderful listener for them all.

COUSINS 
all of my cousins have been examples for me in my life, but i want to specifically talk about the girl cousins just barely older than me.  they have always been examples of strength and high standards.  being the youngest of them all i have always looked up to each one of them and carefully watched and listened to everything they did.

BEST FRIEND SOFIA
even though i have only known this girl for one year of my life, i feel like i have known her for 20.  maybe it's because we shared the most important year of our life and went through new experiences together.  i met sof last year at my first year of college and first year of moving out.

she is the most pleasant person i have ever been around.  i have honestly probably been around her 24/7 for one whole year almost and never gotten sick of her.  don't tell me sof isn't something special because i think it takes a really special/Christlike person to spend all that time with me and still like me.
i don't think i have ever seen her be rude to anyone--now that's Christlike.  she takes time for everyone and makes everyone around her feel special and wanted.  she will do any favor for anyone--no matter the size.  she is able to get along with any type of person no matter how hard they seem to get along with.
she has brought out probably my weirdest side.  maybe its because she is so weird herself, so i think, "what do i have to lose!"  i know she'll accept me and like me no matter what i do, or what mistakes i make.

I LOVE ALL THESE PEOPLE AND I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR WHAT EACH HAS TAUGHT ME ABOUT LIFE--LIVING IT TO THE FULLEST AND BEING THE BEST I CAN BE!