Fabulous Women Who Inspire

If we are truly fortunate in this lifetime, we will have bestowed upon us friendships that inspire us to leave the world a better place than we found it. Keep in mind, I’m not talking about celebrities or politicians. These exceptional women are the true heros in this world, unknown to all but the lucky few upon whose lives they have had such a lasting and positive impact.  And, when I refer to the word Fabulous, I’m not talking merely about outer beauty, but more so about the kind of person someone is…their inner beauty!

Donna and I met in Hawaii around 1980. Both of our husbands–at that time–were in the US Army and stationed on the island of Oahu. Friends came and went without a second thought. I seldom maintained contact after we, or they, moved to another state or military base. Why? I’m not really sure. Perhaps it was just easier, since knowing that we would eventually be separated. So was the way of the military life.

In 1980, I was 23 and Donna was around 20… or so. We were introduced by another friend–who would soon be transferring back to the mainland with her Army husband. Donna and I immediately hit it off. She had a baby named, Keith who was a little younger than my daughter, Dalicia. Neither of us worked outside the home. We were officially, stay at home moms. Our days often consisted of loading the car with sand buckets, picnic lunches and heading to the beach. We had no where to go and nothing to do but spend countless hours talking about our hopes and dreams— while basking on the glorious white sandy beaches of Oahu. Those… truly were the “good old days”.

Dalicia played along the shore… digging in the sand, while Keith laid on the blanket next to Donna and me. Although I was aware that Keith was not doing all the things that were typical for his age–like crawling or pulling himself up–my assumption was, that he just wasn’t ready. At that time, he had not been diagnosed with any sort of disability.

Donna’s interactions with Keith did not go unnoticed. She was infinitely patient, gentle and never–under any circumstances–showed signs of frustration. She was proud of his every accomplishment– however slight. I, on the other hand, was far less patient with Dalicia.

Friday, was house cleaning day. I had finished cleaning for the day, when Dalicia asked for a glass of milk. I poured the milk and just as she reached for it, “WHAM”!!!… in the floor it went. Milk and broken glass went everywhere. I began to cry and raise my voice out of frustration. Then, Dalicia began to cry–as tears welled up in her beautiful brown eyes, I knew at that moment she was afraid. We walked to Donna’s apartment and knocked on the door. There was no need to explain, she understood. She took Dalicia by the hand and led her into the living room to play with Keith. By the time Dalicia returned home that afternoon, I had made a conscious decision that would have a lasting impact on my life and Dalicia’s.

Unbeknownst to Donna, she became my mentor. Like with anything, learning is a process that sometimes requires a teacher and a student. Over the next several months, I watched Donna’s every interaction with both Keith and Dalicia. When Donna tried to show Keith how to crawl, he learned to drag himself across the room. Donna was thrilled with him accomplishment and never seemed the least bit disappointed. Day in and day out, she worked with Keith to help him learn to sit up by himself, drink from a cup, and on and on. Her instinctual ability to nurture–incredible, her patience– immeasurable. And, I not only learned to be better mother, I was also inspired to be a better human being.

The effects of my friendship with Donna never ended. Yes, we lost contact after I left Hawaii. Many, many times over the last 30 years, I thought of Donna and Keith. Then, the age of the internet came along and I began to search for the friend that changed my life. No luck…and then several months ago, I received an email with a friend request from my long, lost friend. I was thrilled to say the least.

This fabulous woman who inspired me so many years ago, recently came for a visit. Donna continues to inspire me with her stories of Keith, their struggles and how he now has a job and lives successfully on his own. I am happy to report that Keith is doing fantastic and has become quite the artist…so grateful to have one of his paintings in my home.

Support the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, USA – Still Hungry for a Cure.

Do you have any stories of women who have inspired you?

Gale Compton
Fit Fabulous Forever