Four of the women who have influenced my life.

A Time To Remember

“We stand on the shoulders of those who go before us.” Kenyan Proverb

In many parts of the world a day set aside each year to remember those who have died, those who have gone before us. All Saints Day, following Halloween is one such a day. It is a time to remember those who have positively influenced our lives, whether or not they were people we knew personally.

Each person leaves a legacy. And no matter how great or small their imprint may seem to the masses, to a chosen few that imprint has been inspirational.

When I think of my own mother I am overwhelmed by the richness of all she taught me through her actions and her words. She has not been written up in history books, yet she positively influenced the lives of a multitude of youth as a teacher, and families through her church work. Her outreach increased even further when she authored seven books after taking early retirement due to diminished vision. (Yes, she wrote her books typing on an old state-of-the-art Smith-Corona despite severely impaired vision.)

You, too, have people in your life who may seem insignificant to the world at large, but who have been important to your growth into the person you have become. Take a moment to remember each of these people and to be thankful.

People with age-esteem are grateful for those who have influenced their lives.

Bonnie Fatio

All Saints Day is a time to remember and honor those who have gone before us.  In some countries it is also celebrated as Halloween.  Whatever we call it, it is a day to celebrate the lives of those relatives, friends, role models and mentors who are no longer with us.  It is a wonderful reminder that we will each live on in multiple ways long after our death.

It also reminds us that how we live our lives and reach out to others is precious. Who are the people you remember and celebrate today?  They are most probably those who touched your life through what they said and did rather than what they had.

Age esteemers greet each day as an opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of others. – A smile, encouragement, listening, reaching out a hand…  It takes very little to positively affect the  life of someone else.

Bonnie Fatio