Life is built in relationship. These relationships help to form who we are and what is meaningful to us.

I am a wife… I am a mother… I am a daughter… I am a sister… I am a friend. I have a wonderful partner in life who walks this road along side of me through all the ups and downs of life. I have two beautiful children, of whom I am so proud. They are young adults now, and still the biggest blessings in my life.  I am proud to be a daughter and sister in a big, extended family that includes too many to name, but each precious in their own way. I am also a teacher and advocate for children with special needs, whose lives touch mine in big and small ways. To all of you, I give my thanks, for you have brought meaning and joy to my life. Of all the things I am grateful for, your presence in my life is the greatest.  For all of you who have blessed my life with your kindness and support, I was thinking of you as I wrote this poem…

Those Who Have Touched My Life
By Krista Longeway

For the faithful few
Who have trusted me with their hearts
Who go out of their way to bring happiness to my world
For others who share their world with me
For their words of encouragement or praise
For their words of wisdom
That give me insight
Into parts of myself that remain hidden from me
For those who challenge me
To be better
To be stronger
To stand up for myself when no one else will
For those who lead by example
Living out goodness, kindness, and love
In a way that challenges me to be a better person
For all those who have shared a smile
A friendly greeting or a kind word
That brightened a cloudy day
For each and every one of these people in my life
I am grateful.