Gratitude for the mentors/role models in our lives.. - Kathleen Kroll's Blog

My husband and I were driving to a meetin.  He tells me that there had been a sudden car/truck collision nearby.  A woman was killed.  He didn't know who she was.  We talk about the increase in accidents I our small university city.  At the meeting, closing prayers were said and a name was mentioned, Mary Jo-- 

No that can't be my Mary Jo.  But it was!  We were not close friends but had many interconnections over the years-- colleagues in different organizations at work, daughters who were close friends in high

school, snd members of some of the same organizations.  But mostly, I remember her as a mentor and encourager in Toastmasters, a public speaking and leadership organization.  Her friendship at that time was invaluable.  her encouragement helped me win awards, take on leadership positions and stretch myself.  But this was Mary Jo being Mary Jo.  At lunch with a good friend yesterday, my friend talked about her tremendously positive influence on her son in the same organization.  I'm sure we were just the tip of the iceberg.  Her enthusiasm will live on in so many organization and clubs.  So today, I give thanks for so many mentors and role models.  Her memory will continue to inspire me to be a role model for

others.  Do you hsve a role model who has inspired yoi?