Hello everyone. People touch our lives every day, and some people make a big difference not just in our daily lives but also in our life's journey as a whole.

Tell me about the special people who have made a big impact in your life. Someone who has helped move you spiritually forward along your path, someone who has helped you at a bad time and gave you hope, or someone who consistently inspires you to reach new heights. This person can be someone still with you or someone who has passed on to the spirit world.

I will name two people....

My Mother. She consistently encourages me and loves me no matter what, even if she does not agree with what I do. We talk almost every day and she is always a positive and loving force in my life. She has old fashioned values, but she's a modern Mom who is a great friend and a fun lady to be around.

My dear boyfriend who has recently passed on. He brought me up out of the darkness and into the light when I suffered a deep loss in my life. He made me see that I could love again after my heart was shattered. He was a joy to be around with his great sense of humor and positive attitude. All he wanted for me was for me to be happy. He was always kind, giving, and gentle, and he persevered with dignity and humility in spite of his poor health. He was an inspiration, and I will miss him forever.

Who in your life has really touched your inner being, your heart? Please share.

Debbie, first of all, so sorry to hear about your boyfriend's recent passing. He sounds like a beautiful being.

I have been blessed with wonderful 'sangha' mates in my life - sangha is the Buddhist word for spiritual community. Many of mine are not Buddhist however, but are friends, and in some cases also meditation students of mine, that have greatly enriched my own spiritual understanding.

Debbie, he does sound like a gem whose spirit will be with you always.

Dianne and Lisa.......thank you for your kind words. My boyfriend was indeed a sweetheart and one of a kind. Every day I think of him and miss him. I know I will always love him.

He visited me just last night. I was speaking to him and he came to me. It is a comfort knowing he is still with me in spirit, and nice when he comes to me when I am awake and not just in my dreams.

Lisa.....you are very fortunate to have found so many great friends who have enhanced your spiritual path. I am sure you have been a positive influence on them as well. That is so good for you all.

Thank you for your kind words, Jennie.

Does anyone else want to talk about the special people in their lives? Please share.

My swimming coach forced us to take double exams in his class to prove we weren't special.

My Uncle who chose not to have children so he could take care of his parents after the war.

My tax lady... Who knows the BS from the real deal.

Those are some great people, Burt.

Your Uncle sounds like a very special man to do what he did. His love for his parents is very evident, and admirable.