Life is full of ups and downs, but we do remember those who make a difference in our lives whether positive or negative. This month is to honor those women who have made a difference to the planet,
society, and just as importantly, to individuals. One of the first that comes to mind is Amelia Earhart, the first woman to pilot a plane to 14,000 ft. then made secret plans to fly across the Atlantic in 1932. The part of Earhart's story that stands out is when she saw her first plane at a country fair she wasn't impressed with the dusty, rusty old thing. It wasn't until she witnessed stunt flying that she got excited. You can read her biography at
http://www.ameliaearhart.com/about/bio.html Another woman of distinction is Sojourner Truth, a slave in the early part of this country's development. She was bought and sold so many times in her young life, until the Emancipation Act was passed. She didn't run like some of the other slaves from their "previous" owners, instead she walked away a free woman. During her long and difficult life she found God, having a great revelation of the "essence of God". She is listed in this honorary list because she suffered at the hands of other humans, determined to survive, was a mother and demonstrated great courage. These are qualities we should all remember and be passionate about. More of her biography can be read at
http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/trut-soj.htm There are a number of historical figures we could name, however, there are also those unsung heroes of our own lives that have made tremendous sacrifices and influenced every one of us to do better. On my
list of heroes today are Mrs. Parberry and Mrs. Stewart. Mrs. Parbarry was a neighbor who also happened to be my first grade teacher. She just loved kids. She also understood my emotionally-challenged family and realized what a treat and release it was for me to stay after school to help her. Mrs. Parberry was large in size and affection that surrounded everybody she met.
Both Mrs. Parbarry and Mrs. Stewart helped to create and develop within me a love for teaching, writing, and reaching out to others. They, along with the historical women I admire, taught me the difference between being a quiet follower and riding the comet that I have spoken about in other columns. That space within the human psyche that says there is more to life than a porch chair and what I see in front of me. While my mother taught me to read, it was Mrs. Parberry who opened up the magic of books and what a skillful writer could do with words we were just starting to spell. Writing became a magic carpet.
Mrs. Stewart was short and round, mother-type of the English Department during middle school. She too had taught my brothers and told me she expected the same or better from me. Mrs. Stewart had that special talent of seeing the successful person in each student. She didn't mind telling you where you were missing the mark and how to change it into something else. For me, she encouraged my writing, would "grade" my stories and poetry with the firmness and determination that a regular assignment would receive. Through her love and mentoring the realization that writing was more than just words, it was a was to effect emotions in other people without ever opening your mouth. She had expected more out of me than my older brothers so I took her at her word and she in turn gave me more than they received.
All four of these women had something in common and that is the will to be great, to succeed against the odds and give all they had with passion for life, for excellence, and for others to grow from. Another teacher often said, "know the history and you will formulate a much better future".
We often make a difference in what we say, but our actions are even more effective in helping to create success in someone else. Leaders have followers by being an example, being able to direct with words and actions.
Weekly Challenge:Determine how you lead, even your own children or family members. What will they be able to say about you as they grow? Will they find their success underwritten by your example? Everyone is different in small or large ways, but we are all similar in our desires to love and be loved, to give and to receive. Often the best gift is being honored for being an example that somone can use on their journey in life.
Be the best! YOU make a difference. 
Another woman of distinction is Sojourner Truth, a slave in the early part of this country's development. She was bought and sold so many times in her young life, until the Emancipation Act was passed. She didn't run like some of the other slaves from their "previous" owners, instead she walked away a free woman. During her long and difficult life she found God, having a great revelation of the "essence of God". She is listed in this honorary list because she suffered at the hands of other humans, determined to survive, was a mother and demonstrated great courage. These are qualities we should all remember and be passionate about. More of her biography can be read at http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/trut-soj.htm
Both Mrs. Parbarry and Mrs. Stewart helped to create and develop within me a love for teaching, writing, and reaching out to others. They, along with the historical women I admire, taught me the difference between being a quiet follower and riding the comet that I have spoken about in other columns. That space within the human psyche that says there is more to life than a porch chair and what I see in front of me. While my mother taught me to read, it was Mrs. Parberry who opened up the magic of books and what a skillful writer could do with words we were just starting to spell. Writing became a magic carpet.
Mrs. Stewart was short and round, mother-type of the English Department during middle school. She too had taught my brothers and told me she expected the same or better from me. Mrs. Stewart had that special talent of seeing the successful person in each student. She didn't mind telling you where you were missing the mark and how to change it into something else. For me, she encouraged my writing, would "grade" my stories and poetry with the firmness and determination that a regular assignment would receive. Through her love and mentoring the realization that writing was more than just words, it was a was to effect emotions in other people without ever opening your mouth. She had expected more out of me than my older brothers so I took her at her word and she in turn gave me more than they received.
All four of these women had something in common and that is the will to be great, to succeed against the odds and give all they had with passion for life, for excellence, and for others to grow from. Another teacher often said, "know the history and you will formulate a much better future".
We often make a difference in what we say, but our actions are even more effective in helping to create success in someone else. Leaders have followers by being an example, being able to direct with words and actions.
Weekly Challenge:Determine how you lead, even your own children or family members. What will they be able to say about you as they grow? Will they find their success underwritten by your example? Everyone is different in small or large ways, but we are all similar in our desires to love and be loved, to give and to receive. Often the best gift is being honored for being an example that somone can use on their journey in life.
Be the best! YOU make a difference.