People who change your life.

So, I know that most of my posts are funny and fun. Not this one. This will be a very serious one. I feel like there are so many people in my life who have GREATLY impacted the life I have. These people have taught me about myself, about the world, basically the important things in life. Most of these people tried to prevent me from making so many mistakes, stayed by my side while I made them, and totally support me now that I am passed them.

I feel like I could never really thank these people enough, but thanking them some is better than none!

First of all I would like to start with my parents. They are both so awesome and have REALLY Truely and Literally made me the person I am today. Growing up, we never really had this glamorous life, and we still dont. I never knew that we lacked anything. We were so broke, but they still made it so fun and so happy. They gave me all the love I ever needed and then some. As an adult I am finally understanding the sacrifices they made and am so thankful for everything they did and continue to do for me!!!

Secondly I would like to thank two of my teachers. I mean...I had a lo of awesome teachers but two stick out more than anyone else. Mr. Cherney was my sex ed teacher in high school, I know...of all classes. He taught me so much about relattionships and love....as well as sex! HAHA! He was a great teacher and he showed me what a man should be like. He loved his wife and daughter so much. His stories just astounded me. The way he raised his daughter, and his relationship with his wife really gave me hope that families do not always have to live in separate houses. He also taught me how to get that, always encouraged me to write down my goals, and wear condoms. When I got pregnant in high school, instead of doing what most people did and told me I made a mistake and shouldnt have done that he taught me how to handle it. He talked to me so much about life and what to expect and how to handle situations. I dont think I would know how to be in a real relationship without him. He is so honest and true to his morals and beliefs without being influenced by anyone. He was also soooo smart. He introduced me to Nicholas Sparks and showed us all REAL pictures of STD's. He wasn't scared to be absolutely honest with us, because he knew that was the only way he could really save most of us from everything that was in our school. He was the kind of teacher that you knew would jump in front of a bullet from you. His classroom was so safe, and he always had his students backs. I don't think I would be able to carry on a normal relationship if he had not taught me what he did. I would honestly still probably be with Lorelei's father, stuck in a dead end relationship if not for his advice and teachings!!!

The other teacher that I am mentioning is Mrs. Hall. She was soooo funny. She was a younger teacher, and taught English and then was also my Journalism teacher. Mrs. Hall was the first person that encouraged me to do more than the minimum. As a junior I had one of the highest grades in her class. Most teachers would have just passed me through and let me go on with regular classes. She encouraged me to go into AP English. Mrs. Hall didn't even suggest advanced English...she skipped to AP. She was such a fun teacher, but still taught me so much. She was one of the only teachers I had that didn't feel a need to yell at us, or belittle us. She is also the reason I am confidant enough to actually try to write a book. I know I may not have it published, or even finish it, but I do know that whatever I come to her with, even today six years after I left her class, she will be honest with me in a way that is encouraging. I am majoring in English because I want to be a better writer, and with her influence on my life I have no doubt in my mind that I can really accomplish anything I set my mind to. She is such an awesome person, and even today...six years later I still talk to her hoping I can absorb some of her knowledge and awesomeness. LOL

Sometimes in life there are people who cause you to take giant steps backwards....usually the closer the person, the more respect you have for them, the farther back they cause you to go. I have had a few people who I THOUGHT I could look up to, and those people have hurt me so much in the past. I have decided to forgive them, only because of the two people who came into my life next. I got to a place in my life where I didn't know who to believe or what was real. I grew up as a Christian because my parents are, but it wasn't until I was an adult that I made the decision for myself. The first church I attended I ended up getting so involved in. I had a mentor and helped with the youth group. I put my whole life into this church only to be betrayed in the end. Coming out of it I was almost positive God was not who I thought he was. I didn't understand how any God could let people like that represent him. I was so hurt and part of me did not feel like working at a relationship with a God that would allow me to be so hurt. I thought it was stupid for people to try and convince me that God had a plan and he was going to use my hurt to teach me a lesson. I didn't like those kinds of lessons. Soon after that I met Pastor Suro and his wife Gloria. They are the pastors of a Hispanic church here on the westside. I went to a few services with a friend of mine and didn't understand most of what was going on, but never felt more welcome anywhere in my life. They didn't judge me because I was a single mom, and helped me through the things I was going through with my old church. We had only just met, but they would drop everything just to meet with me and talk to me. They are some of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met. They not only helped me get through such a rough time in my life but they encouraged me to keep going and to better myself. Everytime I walked in on Sunday mornings, again not understanding much, there was always a seat for me next to Gloria, and I was always welcomed with a hug and a smile. I was invited over on holidays and always welcome no matter what. At first it felt like they moved in and replaced what I had lost in my previous church, but in reality it was so much more. They not only filled the void in losing a pastor and a mentor, they helped so much more. They constantly encouraged me and didn't allow me to ever feel sorry for myself. I am so happy I met them, and could never thank them enough for the impact they had on my life!!!

Finally, I want to thank Juan. Juan is such an amazing man. He came into my life when I was not looking for him. The last thing I needed was another complication, but that is how I knew he is who I wanted in my life. He has continued to stand by my side and support me. He is so awesome to Lorelei, and I could never ask for a better person to spend my life with. He is so patient and so kind all the time. We have so much fun together, whether its watching movies at home or going to the beach on a Sunday. I feel like I really am part of a team and we work together to accomplish not only our daily life and everything it consists of, but also our goals, and everything our future holds. Currently Juan is in Colorado working and getting our apartment ready for Lorelei and I to move there and he is working so hard at it. With this temporary distance we have realised that we may not NEED each other, but we want each other in our lives, and through that we do find that we need each others company and support. He has helped me so much with Lorelei, and with jobs, and going to court...he always encourages me to better myself and allows me to do so while making sure Lorelei is always taken care of if I cannot be there. He loves taking Lorelei out to McDonalds and to play mini golf. He really thinks of her as his own child, and with that he truely care about her and her future. He protects us and always makes sure we have everything we need, and most of what we want. He is so amazing and I am so happy to have him in my life.

Finally, I would like to thank my best friend Amanda. She is the best friend anyone could ask for. She has not only been my best friend, but also babysat Lorelei on a regular basis. Im not sure if many of you know, but I was working at a job that kept me away until 9 pm most nights. These days she picked Lorelei up from school for me, helped her with homework, fed her dinner and made sure she had a bath everynight. Amanda also has four of her own children, so you can imagine her sacrifice. She is souch a selfless person and such a loving person. Her children are all growing up being taken care of by her and her husband and they were both more than willing to welcome Lorelei in on the days I had to work. Now, most of you might think, ok, well that is what a babysitter does anyways...it goes beyond that. I also worked every Saturday and Lorelei was always with her family going to different birthday parties or tball games. When it came time that Lorelei was old enough to play tball she even signed her up with her son and cheered her on like one of her own. If I couldn't make it to a game or a practice she was always more than happy to get her dressed and make sure she had a drink and a snack. Amanda is such an awesome friend, and she means so much to me. Our kids are like siblings, and she is like a sister to me. If I ever have something going on, I know I can always talk to her. Its such a good feeling to know that you can have someone that is always willing to listen to your whining or drama...and someone that trusts you enough to whine and share there drama with you as well. Its a relationship that is so rare that I am almost positive that most people will ever experience. I have 3 sisters, one 12 years younger than me, one who was adopted by another family and one who lives in Colorado...Amanda is the closest thing I have ever had to a close sister. She is the best friend I could have ever asked for, and I am so thankful to have her in my life!

These people I have mentioned are really one of a kind. They are all unique and amazing because of it. I love all of these people for the impact they have had on my life, and I could never thank them enough for the time they have taken out of there own lives to make mine better! Thank you!!!