I would have to nominate my mom. She is the person who has taught me about so much through her actions. She is the person who taught me to work hard, and to never expect a hand-out. She taught me to be honest and to deal with the consequences of your actions or lack there-of. She taught me to turn the other cheek when you are mistreated and to not waste time or effort in looking for vengence. She taught me to never use a person, to always treat others the way you want to be treated.

My mom has had such a hard year this year - she is going through a divorce and her husband is still living in HER house!!! I would be a raving lunatic being in the same circumstances, but she is graceful. Even though she owned her home outright before she re-married 15 years ago she put her husband's name on the deed in concern for him in regards to taxes in case she passed first. Unfortunately, her concern for him at that time is biting her in the butt now - he wants half the value of the house HE did NOT buy or put one dime towards. Amazingly, she handles herself with dignity.

My mom also watches my kids while I'm at work because she wants to make sure they are well taken care of - I can't think of a person I'd rather want to watch them. I originally had a sitter years ago who was undependable then quit on me - my mom took on the full-time job of watching my kids from that point on.

For Christmas this year she gave my family a trip coming up in October at WDW, paying it from a small amount of money she inherited from her mom upon her death. She said she hoped we wouldn't mind that she came with us - she wanted to be there to see the kids have the time of their lives.

I can't say enough about my mom, and I'm getting all choked up writing about her now. She's never had an easy life - her dad left her family when she was 3 or 4, my dad turned out to be a drunk and abusive, my step-father turned out to be mean and selfish, but she never becomes bitter. She is the one who always sees the beauty in life and in the small things. She is a person who appreciates ANY small gesture of kindness and I've seen her in tears when a stranger does a kind favor for her - she is so humble. She is the most beautiful person INSIDE that I know, hands down.