Influentials

This is a bit more of a personal post so if you aren't in the mood, come back later.

I haven't been very good about this whole "one post a day" thing for November. Doesn't really matter I suppose, but I thought that I would write one more "thankful" post and call it a month.

In keeping with the traditions of articles such as "50 Most Beautiful People" and "50 Most Influential People" (in which K Fed is listed...sick) I have decided to write my own version. I call it "My top 5 Influentials". Excluding the obvious (mom, dad, grandparents, God, etc) I have decided to tell you about 5 of the people who have most greatly influenced my life. The names have been changed to ensure privacy...OK, not really.

Here they are in no particular order:

1) Jenni. She lives each and every moment for others and is the most joyful woman I know. She is wise beyond her years. She provides me with a home away from home in so many ways. She always calls at the right time(or wrong time...depending how you look at it) and I love that we are connected in that way.
From Jenni, I have learned what it means to truly be a Godly woman.

2) Rene'. A true and constant source of help, love, and comfort. A true life friend. Never judging, always patient. We laugh together. We cry together. We share our fears and dreams together. We try to figure it out together.
From Rene' I have learned the meaning of true friendship.

3) Ellena Rusenko. She helped me through some of my darkest times, never judging and never assuming. I learned many life lessons from Ellena, all still too personal to write.

4) Nick. My husband and I would both agree that he has to be one of the most influential individuals in our life. He has overcome many tragedies. He doesn't take life too seriously, but takes the time to notice and appreciate things others would miss. He takes things one step at a time. He is a fighter, a leader, and a true friend.
From Nick I have learned one thing...Perseverance.

5) Sylvia. My frantic and scared soul was on a plane to Saudi Arabia when Sylvia just so happened to sit next to me. We had brief, "airplane neighbor" conversation for a few minutes. Apparently I was wearing my emotions on my sleeves because she asked me, "What are you so afraid of?" I looked at her, puzzled and didn't know how to answer. I will never forget what she said to me. She said, "Little Sister, the Lord has you on this plane for a reason. He knows what He is doing with you. He knows where and why you are headed. Your job is to figure it out the first time so that He doesn't have to send you back here again."
From Sylvia I have learned that every moment has an eternal purpose.

So there they are. Nothing earth shattering, but personal. So....Who are your top 5 influentials?