My childhood was messed up, but I will say that the woman who raised me - my Mama Mary, had the most profound influence on me & my life. She was this tiny little old lady (in her late 80s now), whose son was my Dad's best friend until he [her son] passed. Long story as to how I ended up living with her -- but it was an honest to God blessing. I learned about being poor & humble, living off of the land, the meaning of family, of our God & of just always doing the right thing & living your life to help others. She was (and is) THE most incredible person I have ever met. She's in a home now suffering from advanced dementia, and it's so sad to go home and see the shell of the woman I used to know.
I think about her every single day & try so hard to live my life the way she taught me to. She was truly amazing.