A little look back at life when your older is sometimes funny or silly or at times serious and ugly, but in the end it compiles quickly for the one living it. We are all actually, an accumulation of the experiences we have plus our emotional make-ups from our childhoods. The things your parents taught you, the way, you used that information and the way you felt about situations make you, who you are.

       We don’t control many factors for sure like who we are born to, who we end up being raised by, or how they really influence us in life, with what they do to us or for us when raising us, do we?. Sadly it is true what I am saying. but once we are out from under the protection rainbow of those who did raise us, what we do next makes us who we are today or each day.

         Life after all is a process of learning, developing, growing and changing, and as we get older we tend to use what we learned when younger to make our lives better. We try to avoid the mistake of our elders, we learned from our elders knowledge and how to react to things. Which makes us all the individuals we are today!

       So, as the New Year now begins its approach slowly and over the final week or so, I think many need to sit back, and refresh their memories of the ones who raised them, taught them and influenced them, and made them who they are today. For me, the greatest influences I had were not always in my family, but from my friends I grew close to over the years, growing up.

       I stop and would Thank, my mother for my birth and the care she gave to all of us, raising us. My Step-father who took on two kids not his own and three of his own and did the best he could. I didn’t always agree with all of their methods or styles, but we survived and got to adulthood.

        The outside influences in my life were many growing up, I had surrogate parents in many places, in Ms. Johnson, Ms. Dudonis, Ms. Geer. I had friends who stood by me and still do today, I love them all.

          My Sister and I have always been close and always will I love her more than the world. My First wife I respect for the years she loved and helped me survive. As I helped her, and I respected her decision to end it all. My Daughters by her were the greatest gift to both of us and they now know that too.

          I learned so many things through relationships with girlfriends, lovers, and in the end military life, I pride myself on my social abilities when i use them these days.  So as 2011, slowly closes and 2012 is what I look forward to, I hope for the best and to see my life through.

         I have now out lived the life span of my real father, who died at my age of 55 currently. I shall turn 56 if I make it in January. My mother rest her soul died at 59 as did my step-father, one day and a year apart in 90 and 91. The years have slowly slipped by and my second wife is with me always to this day, I met her in 93.

         So, I want all to stop and think back at those who raised you, influenced you, helped you and developed you and think fondly of it all, for they are what make us all who we are each day. Have a warm and Happy New Year all.