Influence #4- My Grandmother, Gladys Thomas

Another major influence in my life was my grandmother Gladys Thomas.  She and my grandfather made such a profound impact on my life.  They are both in Heaven and I miss them both more than words can even say.  My grandma or Boots, as everyone called her, was such a character.  She spent her career working in the shoe department at Macy's and definitely passed this love of shoes on to me.  She was a very caring individual, even though she spent most of her life in chronic pain.  She was an artist as well and definitely passed on her love of poetry and various forms of art on to me.  I have nowhere near her talent, but love to experiment with different art mediums.  One of her favorites was "Daffodils" by William Wordsworth and I can remember reciting this with her from a very young age.  Another great memory was baking in the kitchen with her.  She taught me how to make a perfect Lemon Meringue Pie and Homemade Lasagna.  She taught me so many things, but especially how to treat people with respect and show generosity to those in need.