She’s gonna get a real kick out of this because I know she’s reading. And she’s far from your typical senior. She’s my idol.

Quite a few years ago now, I crossed paths with a spunky, sassy, fierce little whippet of a woman. She embodied strength and perseverance to me. And I hadn’t even talked to her yet.

She’s dog people so, of course, in a conversation with my other dog people, we clicked to which we then became Facebook friends and have since followed along from a polite distance.

Until I started this.

Since I decided to air my dirty (turning clean) laundry for everyone to read, she was the first person to admit to reading a post. It was a little embarrassing and a little awesome. But the fact that it came from her made my heart sing.

I can’t really express what her positive energy has meant to me, for a variety of reasons which I will keep between us. It’s such a comfort knowing there are real people out there that walk the walk and talk the talk.

But it’s more than just one person that has made this one of the most enlightening and positive experiences of my life. It’s a collective group of people I have surrounded myself with…on purpose. The older I get the more I cherish those around me that are loyal and supportive and kind. On the flip side, I have little to no time for those that are petty, jealous or lack compassion. Luckily for me, I don’t know that I can name a single person like that I spend any energy on anymore.

I’ll probably wait until Sunday to get all preachy with you, but let me just leave you with this little piece of unsolicited advice:

When a woman you admire tells you your brave, believe her.
When someone tells you your good at something, find a way to make it a priority.
When someone compliments your hair, teeth, earrings, smile, energy, spirit, tenacity, organizational skills, your new shoes say thank you…and that’s it.

And when your hero tells you you’re her hero, smile and hold on to that shit forever.