a wonderful lesson learned this weekend.....

My nephew graduated from college this weekend.  Needless to say it was a proud moment so of course we as a family had a big dinner for him.  As we were sitting around the table after dinner we all told stories about him as a little boy.  He then stood up and said that without all of us he would not be the person he is today and proceeded to go around the table and share a lesson(s) that he had learned from each of us.   When he got to me, I was concerned as I have been known as the crazy aunt, he said the following:  "Aunt C you have taught me two lessons, one being to love and care for all animals as I cannot count the times we stopped to pick up an injured or abandon animal and I watched as you nursed them back to health , you got me my first turtle, dog and taught me about cats, dogs, snakes and bats.  The other thing you taught me was about being fearless, that being scared was part of the fun, and I should try everything once.  You are the only person I know that did an Ironman, ran a marathon, biked across Georgia, and have swam in a 3 mile race.  You took me on my first rollercaoster and took me bungee jumping.  I learned I could do anything and that winning was not just about being first but that you finished with a smile.  Needless to say, I teared up.  You never really know how much your actions are watched and what affect you can have on someone.  Proud to know that I had a part in him becoming a great person!!!!