I grew up with a single mom, but she didn't raise me all by herself. It took a lot of watchful eyes and invested people to keep me alive this long. I'm a klutz, both emotionally and physically. I have broken the same foot twice, gotten multiple rounds of stitches and popped sockets many times; I don't think my elbows even function anymore. I am stubborn, often speak before I think and am very good at getting myself into trouble. There have been many, many people to raise me, though my mom took on the lead role. Most of these people are strong women who know what they want in life, take on leadership roles and don't leave their friends for anything. I can't even think of all the people who have helped me succeed and thrive over my lifetime, even some who stuck by me when I wasn't sure how long I'd be able to handle my intense emotions and changing perspectives. There are, however, a few women who stand out above anyone else.

First, there's The Girl Next Door. Well, she is more like my Aunt Across Town. Terri taught me about how important it is that women support women and that friendship can be the most important thing in the world. My mom met Terri when I was five years old through work. I still remember the first time I met her, shy and unsure about the smiling woman. Quickly, though, I realized how close she and my mom became, like sisters or teenage friends when they were together. I had never seen a bond like that before; no drama, no fights, nothing. There was simply laughing in the kitchen at midnight and lots of talking over a hot pizza. My mom had found a best friend and soon Terri became mine too. She brought me desserts from the bakery she worked for and loved pizza as much as we did. It felt like the three amigos. From girl's nights to breakfast at Grumpy's. Terri is also a single mom and with an older son. I realized that my mom and I weren't alone. There were plenty of awesome people living outside of the norm. Terri was, and is, someone I could look up to, share with and always rely on for a bear hug. She is understanding and kind, positive in all situations. I have always been a realist, so she always offered unexpected perspective in many situations.

Next, there's Maria. She taught me about fearlessness. I met Maria when she moved into the apartment next to us. We met on the back porch. I remember running in to see whom my mom was talking to and, at 10 years old, seeing the prettiest girl ever! I knew immediately that I liked her and we soon ended up seeing a lot of her. Maria became a friend to both my mom and I, finishing up residency in a new state all on her own. She became someone I could talk to about life, faith, love and decisions as I got older. She was always young enough to relate, but old enough to know better and 13-year-old me needed that. Now, Maria is working in the DR. She moved on her own to a foreign country to help others. If that isn't fearlessness then I don't know what is. I will always admire Maria simply for following her own heart and mind, not letting men, work, or everyday nuisances get in her way.

Then there's Susan. She was my mom's college roommate and the two have remained in contact since. Susan taught me, well, how to pull stitches out of my own leg. I will never forget sitting on her counter as she took me through how to remove stitches. I was 10 and had never had any, but had gotten past being squeamish and found it interesting. Susan also taught me not to lose myself. No matter the setting, I didn't have to pretend to be anyone other than exactly who I was. I'm not sure if she meant to teach me this, but between telling me curse words in French and showing me how to drape linen scarves to best show off your bust, I never saw anyone other than Susan. She was her own entity, truly not of this world, just Susan in all of her glory.

A host of women taught me so much, even before I went to a girl's school. Dee showed me how to sew, Pam taught me you're never too old for Disney and Karri enabled me to put forth my best self. My life has been surrounded by powerful, independent, undaunted women. I have been so blessed to learn from and know them.