I almost used the word "envy", but that's poison. Every person is incredibly talented in their own way and has a depth beyond their own recognition!

Family CERTAINLY counts for respect and appreciation, but a bit obvious. I'll just go..

-In 5th Grade "Robyn" drew a picture of her own attic. AMAZING..still! I still haven't mastered the stick figure.

-"Slappy" a struggling deli owner in a business park I once worked at, started a movement by simply recruiting random local employees to take his leftovers to the local Mission.

- (ok cheating) My Niece once told me, "Mean people don't SUCK, they're just HURT!" I wept.

Have you ever had extreme inspiration come from a surprising source?

Hmmmm.

Clancy (RIP) was an old gentleman who set up his tables of fresh produce outside the local pub. He was dedicated. He often under sold local grocery stores. The fact that he chose to set up shop in a predominately low class location is what inspired me. He chose to sell to people who could not always afford fresh fruits and veggies.

That's Beautiful!

When I was young I lived in the projects where money was tight. My neighbor was a awesome backyard mechanic. He would fix everybodys cars and then "say pay me when you have it" so we did not miss work or Dr.s appointments. A lot of times he did not get cash but pies, fried chicken,or other things that people could afford,What a great guy!!

^^^^that's awesome^^^^

My best friend's dad....talked MY dad.....into letting me climb. My parents were SO overprotective!

The restroom attendant for not judging.

Thankyou so much jackoftrades.

Many times one line in a book has given me an epiphany.

I must listen better when I read.

For me, any good samaritan. Total strangers that are willing to give a hand to any human or animal in need. It really put a smile on my face and whispering 'May God bless you more'.

When I was in the Navy, there was an older black gentleman that worked on the base name Bill. Bill was also a retired chief warrant officer and he was as mean and salty as the day was long.. At age 23, I knew that I needed to do something different with my life and that is when I met Bill. Every day I would stop by Bill's office and sit on a couch that was in there. (he was not a shrink) Would tell Bill how everyone was the root of my problems. Bill would always interrupt and tell me that those people had nothing to do with my problems. He would tell me that, people that always have problems, always have problems.... I would then get up with my head down knowing that Bill was right. Yet, every day I would go right back to Bill's office. Right before I would leave Bill's office, when my head was down and I felt like I was at my lowest point, he would always wrap his arms around my neck with a great big hug and tell me, Thomas I love you.

Bill saved my life. To love someone when they cannot love their self speaks volumes and I will forever be in debt to the next person who comes along and needs what I needed when I met Bill.

"listen better when I read"

my Dog