Although influential people have come and gone in my life, my husband, Fred, has remained the most influential person for the last twelve years.

From the day I met him, he has always had an optimistic and enthusiastic outlook on life. No matter how bad one's situation may be, Fred believes there's always a bright side. The most important thing to him is his family and when things get tough, he tries to remind himself that he is blessed and others aren't quite as fortunate as he is. Laughter has always played a large role in that enthusiastic outlook and wherever we go, Fred has no problem getting others to laugh with him! It is hard to have a bad day when the person you spend your life with is always smiling. He also makes a conscious effort morning to remind himself of what is important in life and that the day ahead will be a great one. Fred feels that when we are in unhappy situations, we need to look for something good it. I heard him tell a friend, Bob, that if he was unhappy with his job to resign his position. When Bob replied he couldn't because of the benefits and vacation time, Fred told him to celebrate those reasons for staying!

Another reason I find Fred influential is his commitment to everything he does. When the time came for me to go to college he told me that he would make sure money never became an issue as a result of me resigning from my job and he took on an additional job. It's not everyday that you find a person so committed to your success and happiness that they are willing to sacrifice their free time. Fred is also committed to working hard whether that is at work, home or helping friends. Our friend Tom was on a deadline remodeling the structure of a building and when he fell behind, Fred worked hard, into the night, to make sure the building was completed to the specifications that were required. He commits to finish whatever job he starts, no matter the lengths he must go to.

Fred also shows gratitude to those who deserve it and generosity to those who need it. He appreciates that his parents instilled good morals in him and how to work hard at everything. He also credits them with his positive outlook on life. 
Fred has generously given of his time and ability to organizations in need. He routinely volunteers his services to the Senior Center as an electrical engineer. This enables the facility to spend money they would have paid an electrician on a senior in need. Fred has also taken my family members on vacation that would not have otherwise been able to afford to go. Last year, he took my niece to Disney World for a week and the year before that he took my sister to New York. He asks for nothing in return other than for them to enjoy themselves! A trip to Disney World is something a child will remember for the rest of their lives and we're glad my niece was able to experience it with us.

My husband being the most influential person in my life stems from the fact that he is optimistic and enthusiastic about life, committed, and always shows gratitude. Life is all about choices so Fred chooses to get out of bed everyday and be in a good mood even on those days when things aren't going well. He chooses to commit to work hard at everything he does and is committed to finishing whatever he starts. Most importantly Fred chooses to give back to those who need it. I don't know many people who seek out ways to help others on a daily basis, even if it's as simple as holding the door open for someone.

When thinking of those who are the most influential in our lives we often look to those that are closest to us and for me that person has been and always will be my own husband.