Since you're likely reading this from one of my social network pages, and not my blog, you most likely know about "bulletin surveys" and the hours of entertainment they can provide for both the reader and the poster. If you haven't fell victim, you know someone who has... That friend who spends countless hours posting about 10 of them in one day, each generally covering the same questions, some boring, some... distasteful, if you will. I fall into the "occasional bulletin victim" category, but today... I found a question that touched me so deeply, I even wrote an extra credit essay about it in high school. It's not something many people think about, or may just blow off, with a semi intelligent two-word answer, but to me... a lot of thought went into it a few years ago... and I still have a lot to say about it:

Who do you admire most?

Most of you would probably say: My Mom, or My dad. But my answer to this question is: multiple people. I know, that doesn't really answer it at all as it clearly says "most," but to know me is to love me... I like to make things more difficult than they have to be. Plus, I can't place any of these people in first place, each of them equally important and in undeniably different regions of my heart. Each I love more than words:

The people I consider most admirable are My Maternal Grandfather, My father, My boyfriend, Drew, and My friend, Sam. Let me begin with Paw.

Paw, who's name was actually James, was my mother's biological father. He and my grandmother were never married, and my mother was the only child between the two of them. For most of my younger years my maternal grandparents were alcoholics. My memories of my grandmother are miserable, and for the most part absent. Memories shared with my grandfather include his teaching me how to play guitar, his thoughtful lessons on music and not to judge it until I've heard it, and his lesson on how to break free from a stranger who was trying to lure me into a car. Each of these lessons has been important. One of them even saved my life when I was four, can you guess which? Aside from the life's lessons he tried to teach me, he taught me many things about life just by living including:

• You'll never get better if you can't admit that you're bad.
• Don't forget to show love to those you love, so they'll remember when you're gone.
• If you suspect something's wrong, you should immediately take action.
• Drugs make you someone you can't be proud of.
• Drugs make you weak, and dependent on something, when you should depend on yourself.
• Drinking alcohol may cause cancer.
• No music is bad music, so long as it's played right from the heart.
• You'll never know how much something means to you until it's absent from your life.
  

Even though he passed away many years ago, his impact on my life left a dent in my heart when he passed. I would trade everything I have material wise to my name, for 15 more minutes of music lectures with my Paw.

Have you ever met my father? If not you should. He is next in line for discussion. I'd have to say my father, Jeff, is one of the most selfless people on earth. He is a hardworking, respectable middle aged man, with a lot of years ahead of him, even if worries otherwise. I cannot even begin to count on two hands the times he's helped people out. Sadly, I can also say that about how many times he has been manipulated and taken advantage of. Recently he sold his truck to a young man who was having a bit of trouble with his car, and was unable to commute back and forth to work, and was having trouble feeding his young children. My father agreed that if he paid half of the money on the spot and half of the money later, he could take the truck home, and dad would sign it over. Everyone told my dad he needed to get a notary to sign an agreement, so that he wouldn't be taken advantage of... but dad said: "You just have to have a little faith in people." Poor dad, he never did see the other half of that money, or the man again, and still never lost faith in humanity. Sure, you and I would call that "naivety," but that's my dad. A couple years ago, dad was in an accident at work. He was injured pretty badly, the doctors at the burn center in Pittsburgh told us he would be in the center for 2 months at the least... but he made it out in 3 weeks. He's had problems with the sun ever since, but he was able to over come that this summer. My dad is very strong, and very brave. And obviously... very admirable.

Drew Edgar knows he holds the key to my heart. In all of my sweetest dreams I had never met a man who could make me laugh as hard and love as deeply. When I wake up in the morning I smile knowing that I will be hanging around with him. Why is he so admirable? Well, he puts up with me. Which is a lot to deal with if you've ever met me... haha. He never gives up on supporting me, and always has something good to say in a bad situation. He's always inspiring a new piece of writing, or an instrumental to a song. and he keeps things interesting and fun, sometimes a little more than I can take. I like how we can pretty much agree on things that aren't very important but, for some reason matter greatly, like... Who's more awesome at halo... MeeEEeeee.
-"But I didn't write that." he says.
-"Exactly."
-"I don't get it."
He's my Every time I look at him I smile for no reason admirable person, and those are the kind that are hard to find.

Last, but not least: Sam. It's hard to describe what makes Sam as admirable , as important, and as loved as each of the people I just described. I can only imagine that Sam is my meant to meet friend. There are many things I admire about Sam. He has a powerful talent as a musician. He has a big heart. If I need to talk to him, he takes the time to listen, and always provides me with an unbiased solution or point. I haven't known him very long, but we connect well emotionally. I can talk music with him, and he can provide an intelligent response. Trading Bands is the best! He is such a great friend.



There you have it. The most admirable people I know.


Who do you have that can compare?