Hey Rosebud can I ask you a few questions? "Yeah, sure why not I guess." This kid is the best part of me, my other half I'm kind of interested in picking her brain. Who is the most influential person in your life and why? "Wait, what does that mean"? Look it up, of course that's always my answer to her when she doesn't understand something. "Alright, alright. Well you are mom." Why? "Well because you keep me alive and you do everything, you even went back to school and you do it all by yourself. You know without dad or anyone." What do you think, kissing up to me or being truthful? I'm going to take it as truth. Second question. What was the last thing you read, saw or encountered that made you reconsider your values or beliefs? "Geeze long enough question? Well I have always believed in God, because you taught me to, but I have always kind of wondered. Well i had a dream that God and grandma were sitting with me and God told me that He loved me. In don't know, made me see Him as real." Her eyes looked to the table. She has always been a tough kid and a huge smart ass and this soft side I really don't see that often its nice. Actually I'm just thrilled that she has these emotions! Last question, who or what is the most important thing in your life and why? " You of course!" Why? "Well your my mom. I don't know. I guess I don't know what I would do without you. Your my best friend, I don't ever want to lose you." What innocent answers. I'm curious to ask someone older to see the difference.
                         My long time family friend, can I possibly ask you a few questions? Who is the most influential person in your life and why? "At this point in my life its hard to point to just one person, but I'd have to choose my father." Really? Why? "Even though he was only in my life for a limited amount of years. I have respect for him." His eyes seem distant, lost and sad. " He came here from a foreign land with a third grade education, didn't speak this language but knew how to work hard. He taught me how to adapt to life and persevere. He taught me how to put my family first." He seems like a hard working man. "He was." What is the last thing you read, saw or encountered that made you reconsider your values or beliefs. Describe that moment and what you thought. "My brother died a few years ago and i learned that your time and life is limited and you need to value each moment as though it is your last." Who or what is the most important thing in your life and why? "Family. My kids and grandkids." Funny the mention of his grandkids actually makes him glow a little bit. I have learned that the older you get the more you draw from your past, whereas the younger you are you pull from whats right in front of you.