ALL THE PEOPLE I HAVE KNOWN

When I stop and take a look at my life now that I am well past fully grown

I like to think how I’ve been blessed by all the people I have known.

Certainly there is my family, my children, my grandchildren and my wife

but what about all the others people who have helped to shape my life.

Some were with me from the start but are gone now…to my dismay

Some have been here many years…others merely crossed my path along the way

Some I’ve known by name others I never really knew…but I’m still glad

at what they all have given me…at the impact they have had

I’ve known mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters…aunts and uncles too

I’ve known teachers, students, and children who helped to mold my point of view.

So many people I have met whose influence I can’t ignore

from priests, professors, bus drivers to baggers in the grocery store.

I’ve known mechanics, fishermen, lawyers…waiters and waitresses galore

all who made me think a little differently than I had thought the day before.

I’ve known authors and musicians…I’ve loved their melodies….their words

I’ve been changed by every book I’ve ever read and every song I’ve ever heard.

I could go on and on because in my mind a host of faces are now blending

You might say when it comes to the people in my life…the list is never-ending.

And I imagine it’s the same with everyone

For no one ever lives their life totally alone

No…we are who we are today

because of all the people we have known.