Inspire Those Who Inspire You - Episode II
Letter board with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quote” “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love,” resting on a dandelion-colored knit blanket.
Editor’s note: Originally written on May 3rd, 2014. Updated throughout 2025 to reflect the growth, the gratitude, and perspective time has offered.
Welcome, reflective hearts and curious minds, to another post in the Inspire Those Who Inspire You series. Today’s reflection turns inward towards two steady figures who shaped much of who I am. One through steady presence, the other through a presence that was less than certain, leaving gaps I spent years learning to understand. With Mother’s Day just behind us and Father’s Day on the horizon, I invite you to pause with me and reflect on the presence of those who’ve cared for us from parents to guardians to caregivers and more. This post is to honor those who shaped who we are today.
The first person I want to talk about embodied determination and quiet strength. They worked tirelessly, often putting work and responsibility ahead of taking breaks or vacations by sacrificing moments of presence to ensure we were cared for. Beyond their work ethic, they were also the one who quietly resolved issues behind the scenes. And they were the person who ensured things ran smoothly so others didn’t have to worry. Looking back, I recognize they were doing the best they could to provide stability, even if it meant missing out on some of the “now.” Their dedication taught me that love isn’t always loud, it’s often found in the quiet solving of problems and the unseen efforts that keep life moving forward.
Despite the challenges, we were often inseparable bound by moments of laughter, late-night talks, afternoon walks, and simple routines that felt like anchors. I remember how their presence, even when quiet or distracted, was a constant comfort, a steadying force in a world that could sometimes feel uncertain. Another thing I often noticed was their way of handling uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or awkward situations. They would fill the gap with a quick joke or find something relatable to discuss. It was their way of easing tension and keeping connection alive when words felt hard to find. These memories of closeness, sometimes imperfect but always meaningful, remind me how deep connection isn’t about perfection, but about showing up.
The next figure in my life carried a different kind of presence. Less constant, more unpredictable but no less impactful. Their path wasn’t without his challenges, and in the spaces they left, I found lessons I didn’t expect: understanding, forgiveness, and a quieter kind of growth.
Yet, when they were there, they gave in ways that often went unnoticed. They were the type to step in quietly, helping wherever needed without seeking attention. Those small, steady acts taught me the power of simply showing up for others. Alongside that, they carried a deep passion for the things they cared about. A reflective, thoughtful nature that shaped how I see the world. From there, I learned not only to care for others, but to pause and reflect on my own values. Perhaps most of all, they showed me the strength it takes to stand firm in what you believe, even when you stand alone.
In their absence, other lessons formed. I began to understand that presence isn’t always about being physically there. Sometimes, it’s found in unanswered questions and moments spent wondering why. Their unpredictability challenged me to create the stability I once sought from them and to become what I needed. Over time, I’ve learned people can only offer what they’re capable of at that moment. And while part of me wished for more, I now hold space for both: the loss, and the quiet gifts their absence left behind of resilience, self-reliance, and a deeper compassion for anyone carrying similar gaps.
Together, they’ve taught me different lessons, each shaping me in ways I’m still learning to understand. Their dedication, quiet strength, and belief in me, even when unspoken are gifts that I will carry forward with gratitude.
To anyone reading this, I encourage you to reflect on those who’ve shaped you whether caregivers, mentors, or quiet figures in your life. If you feel comfortable, share your story. You never know who might need to hear it.
Thank you to those who guided me.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
