[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 05.14.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

Let's kick off a little midweek conversation, shall we? We all have someone (or something) that left a mark on who we are today. Maybe it was a wise grandparent, a favorite teacher, a lifelong friend, or even a classic book you couldn’t put down. Sometimes, it’s a quiet influence, and other times, it’s someone who changed your world with a single sentence.

For me, it’s the stories I’ve collected along the way. Seriously, I’m a bit of a story collector. Whether it’s a gripping novel, a classic movie, or a heartfelt tale from a friend, stories have taught me empathy, courage, and the importance of a good laugh when things get tough. They’ve been my biggest influence, each one leaving its own little mark.

But enough about me—what about you?

Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and why?

I’d love to hear your stories—big or small, heartfelt or funny.

Share them in the comments below!

Cheers!
Blue

 

[snoopereva]

My mom. .I ended up in a social work career and mom always lived as such and so my first role model here.

 

[PhilBurns]

My grandmother who passed in 1993 taught me to do the right thing thing always and my Aunt Carol who passed in 1996 to treat people how you want to be treated. I still don't treat people like crap.

 

[SonyaD]

Pastor Dean Henry. He exemplified a true Christian faith, was an example to me as to what a father should be (I came from a dysfunctional home), showed immense patience and love for my family and me. He was instrumental in my dad’s journey to Jesus. He guided me, and prayed for me and my family. As a child, I would walk to the Church as often as possible. As a teen, once when things were really bad at home, he went to my parents and offered to let me live with him for awhile. I ended up choosing not to go, but never forgot that gesture. Pastor Henry went home many years ago, but his advice, guidance and legacy lives on.

 

[kiki]

My mither Mary and my father Joseph were my biggest influences. Living day to day, religion, trust food etc. They were good parents. I was a only child and I was spoiled.

 

[Doris Gallaher]

My precious parents were the most loving folks. They were strict but it was their intention to see that we children learned to show respect to them and others, that we took care of our possessions and to appreciate them. I will always remember their love, and prayers they prayed with and for us. At 88 years of age, I still recall.

 

[Capaten1]

First my parents, now Jesus! Faith, hope and love is what I try to live by.

 

[lucy]

My precious husband, whom I met just before my 16th birthday. He was always there to give me the little push when I needed it. Sadly I lost him 10 days after our 40th anniversary.

 

[debilancia54]

My Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I cannot breathe with out them. Praise God and Jesus.

 

[angib55]

My parents. They are both gone now but l learned so much from them while they were alive

 

[0548]

My Mom she never had a bad word for anyone. She had no money to give but she would give the shirt of her back to anyone who needed it, this stayed with me my entire life and I am now 77.

 

[Hazeleyes]

My godmother taught me a lot. About 50 years ago she taught me how to recycle and repurpose things. So yeah I still recycle. She also taught me the value of a doll. How to stretch that dollar and also ways to save. We opened a bank account for me on one of my visits. My responsibility was to send x amount of money each pay check for her to deposit into my account. How grateful I am for having her in my life.

 

[TriciaR]

My mom. .I ended up in a social work career and mom always lived as such and so my first role model here.

Thank you so much for sharing @snoopereva ! Your mom sounds like a truly inspiring woman — it’s beautiful that her way of living influenced your path into social work. It’s amazing how powerful a role model at home can be. Did she ever work in a helping profession herself, or was it more about how she lived her life day to day?

 

[TriciaR]

My grandmother who passed in 1993 taught me to do the right thing thing always and my Aunt Carol who passed in 1996 to treat people how you want to be treated. I still don't treat people like crap.

Thank you so much for sharing @PhilBurns . Your grandmother and Aunt Carol clearly left a lasting legacy — what beautiful lessons they passed on. “Do the right thing” and “treat others how you want to be treated” are values that never go out of style. It’s heartening to hear that you’ve carried those with you. Do you find their influence pops up in little moments day to day?

 

[TriciaR]

Pastor Dean Henry. He exemplified a true Christian faith, was an example to me as to what a father should be (I came from a dysfunctional home), showed immense patience and love for my family and me. He was instrumental in my dad’s journey to Jesus. He guided me, and prayed for me and my family. As a child, I would walk to the Church as often as possible. As a teen, once when things were really bad at home, he went to my parents and offered to let me live with him for awhile. I ended up choosing not to go, but never forgot that gesture. Pastor Henry went home many years ago, but his advice, guidance and legacy lives on.

Thank you for sharing such a moving tribute @SonyaD . Pastor Dean Henry sounds like a truly remarkable man — not just a leader of faith, but a guiding light during a really difficult time in your life. It’s clear his compassion and example left a deep imprint on your heart. That offer to take you in speaks volumes about his character. How special that his legacy continues to shape your life even now.

 

[TriciaR]

My mither Mary and my father Joseph were my biggest influences. Living day to day, religion, trust food etc. They were good parents. I was a only child and I was spoiled.

Thank you for sharing @kiki ! Your parents sound like wonderful, grounding influences — teaching you about life, faith, and the simple joys like good food and trust. Being an only child and feeling spoiled in a loving way must have made those memories even more special. Do you have a particular memory with them that still makes you smile?

 

[TriciaR]

My precious parents were the most loving folks. They were strict but it was their intention to see that we children learned to show respect to them and others, that we took care of our possessions and to appreciate them. I will always remember their love, and prayers they prayed with and for us. At 88 years of age, I still recall.

Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful reflection @Doris Gallaher . Your parents sound like such loving and wise people — the kind of guidance that truly shapes a life. It's so special that, at 88, their lessons and prayers are still vivid in your heart. What a lasting gift they gave you. Do you find yourself passing on any of their values to others in your life?

 

[TriciaR]

First my parents, now Jesus! Faith, hope and love is what I try to live by.

Thank you for sharing such a powerful and inspiring message @Capaten1 . It’s beautiful that your parents laid the foundation, and that your faith continues to guide you. Living by faith, hope and love is such a meaningful way to move through the world. Is there a particular moment when those values really helped you through something?

 

[TriciaR]

My precious husband, whom I met just before my 16th birthday. He was always there to give me the little push when I needed it. Sadly I lost him 10 days after our 40th anniversary.

Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal memory @lucy . It sounds like your husband was not only your partner but also your greatest encourager — how special to have shared a love that started so young and lasted so beautifully. I’m so sorry for your loss. Forty years together is a wonderful legacy of love. Do you have a favorite memory of him that still makes you smile?

 

[TriciaR]

My Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I cannot breathe with out them. Praise God and Jesus.

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt expression of faith @debilancia54 . It’s clear how deeply your relationship with God and Jesus Christ anchors your life. That kind of devotion is truly powerful — a beautiful reminder of the strength that comes from spiritual connection. Has your faith always been this strong, or has it deepened over time?