THE WOMEN OF MY LIFE

I would not be who I am today without the wonderful women of my life – past and present:

Oveda Phillips Harden – my grandmother – taught me how to cook without a recipe, love my family unconditionally, appreciate traditions, which are extremely important, and never miss church.

Jeanette Harden Dicks – my mother – taught me how to never meet a stranger, to sing with my heart (especially in church) and how to make the best party mix in the world.

Margaret Harden Hatchell – my aunt – teaches me how to be direct, to keep a secret and to be ready to help the family at the drop of a hat for any reason.

Theodocia Dicks Arkus – my aunt – teaches me how to love the life of New York City and the art of the Metropolitan Museum and to have perfect manners.

Esther Greif Dicks – my sister-in-law – teaches me that being a mother, wife and daughter is so extremely special, that eating healthy each day is OK, and that saying “I love you” is a great way to end a conversation.

Debra Morris Jackson – my best friend from childhood – teaches me how to never give up on myself, to ask questions, to remain a South Carolina Gamecock fan no matter what their won-lost record and to always be ready for a change.

Ellen Smith – my friend for more than 25 years – teaches me that it is OK to be a good mother, wife and still take care of yourself, how to tackle new recipes with zest and how to be a friend through thick and thin.

Mary Ann Barton – my best friend at Madison High School – teaches me daily how to be the best, to be strong no matter what and to have fun and relax even if my family is driving me nuts!

Kim Engman, Mary Fitzella and Sherry Nanna – three of my longtime friends. Each is always there to listen to me. Together, they teach me how to believe in myself and to know that God is with me every step of the way.

Lana Guidorizzi – my new diet and exercise friend – teaches me how to laugh all the time, how to realize that each day is a new day and shows me that it is never too late to listen and learn.

Each of these important women is in my prayers every night – even my grandmother and mom who have been with God for many years. I thank all of them for what that they have given me and continue to give me. I am so lucky to have all of them love me as I love them. I only hope that I give them a little each day, too.

— Pam Rawlinson

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist