Yesterday we said goodbye to a woman who has been like a grandmother to me for 20 years now. Having been grandparent-less for the past decade since I lost my final grandmother that’s something a girl comes to rely on. This woman was a role model for me. Someone who encouraged me to keep trying new things, inspired me by leading the way and by being the most stubborn, headstrong person I knew.
I didn’t know if I would blog about her. I considered it a while ago when she first got sick but didn’t. But as you know I am writing these posts for the website aimed at teenage girls and I really got present to how important strong female role models are. No matter the stage of our lives. They guide us, shape us and bump us back on path when we falter.
My mother was the greatest gift I could have received. What a woman she is with her generosity and way with people. Then there was Amanda, the woman who inspired me to write and who opened the door for me to THE most life changing program. My sister and sister-in-law, my cousins, my friends. Woman with guts, determination, grace, beauty and smarts.
Real woman in the best use of the word. Woman of substance. And I keep on meeting them. I have had a couple of woman come into my life, perhaps to fill the void of those leaving, who ignite the ambition in me. Challenging my ideas on what is possible for me. And never holding any punches. I’m blessed in this life by these women. A charmed life really.
Goodbye my friend.
Are you lucky enough to have quality people around you? Role models are important, yes?
Hi! I’m Suger; Chief Blogger at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; love a casual ootd, taking photos + writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet; photos, create content, write copy and devise social media plans for personal brands, small businesses and bloggers. You know, living the sweet life.
Do sorry for you loss Melissa. Big hugs. Strong female role models bring out the best in us. I am lucky to have a few of my own.
Thank you Gayel. Glad to hear that.
I am sorry for your loss Melissa. One of the wonderful things about life is that you can find new ‘family’ as you go along and I feel grateful for the extra family members I have found along the way.
Thank you. I totally agree, I’ve been blessed with family and ‘family’ in this life and happy for it.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I too am grandparent-less, my last nanna passing two years ago. Strong role models are the best, it’s great to hear you have so many, and i think you are inspiring women in the same way, well me at least haha 🙂
Sorry to hear about your nanna.
I appreciate that. So much. Thank you.
Sorry about your loss. She is looking down in a positive way on you.
Never had much of a grandparents or parents role model in my life. But I do have my “godfather” (he is pretty much of an atheist) who has helped me in my life. His wife says that I am more like him than his own kids. If he was not in my life I would not be where I am at.
Thank you. I’m glad to hear your pretty much atheist ‘godfather’ fulfilled his role so well. Haha. 🙂
Dear Melissa,
I am so sorry for your loss, thankyou for sharing, as it reminded me of how lucky I am to be surrounded by women ( & men) who believe in me – sometimes more then I believe in myself! It is truly a blessing to have people like this in your world. I can only hope that I too am as supportive to others as they are to me.
Of late it has been brought to my attention how fragile life is, how close each of us, or any of our loved ones, is to not being here. Anything can happen at any time, thats why it is so important to live in the NOW, to share your feelings with those that you love, that inspire you, that make you shine. If someone makes your heart sing – tell them, if someone makes your day by just being there- tell them, don’t keep your feelings for those around you a secret – these feeling are meant to be shared. Not only do they benefit by hearing it, but you also do by sharing and acknowledging how important they are to you!
Big hugs your way lady, you too are a woman of substance & I am happy to know you.
Keep up the fabulous work
K
Thank you Kerry. I love the sentiments in this comment. I’m so glad you took the time to share them. xo