Everybody has them. They are the people that we look up too and wish we were, those that inspire us and help us live through the challenges we face.
And she is very good at both jobs!
My mother worked full time, studied part-time and raised me and my sister on her own. In her spare time (how she found any is still a mystery to me) she went jogging. She always had time to drive me to the stable and supported me when I competed in showjumping even though she was so scared she couldn't watch.
For her 50th birthday she ran the New York marathon. It was her gift to herself. And after all, if you are going to run your first marathon, you might as well do it somewhere spectacular.
My mom is still at university, and she has more credits that the average American movie. She plans to do a PhD when she retires, because she's just too busy at the moment.
In no particular order;
Maria, for being my sister. "It's rarely two can get along, but when they do they're inseparable."
Rikke, for always being there when I needed you. Stay in touch! Mary, for inviting me over and listening to my endless ramblings about Canadian boys and sharing your own stories. Everyone in the house on Surrey street; Cormac, Julie and Peter, for all the good times. All the lads in Beveridge M; Niall, Sarah, Orla, thanks for cheering me up, answering all my questions and letting me watch Buffy every thursday. Jen and Kyle for just being yourselves and sharing your imported goodies. Corinna, you are doing a great job raising your son and just being yourself. My crew from peace and conflict studies; Amelie, Miguel, Leopold, Johanna, Johanna, Alex, Felicia, Ulrika and Mattias. The course is over and we are still hanging out. We need to get toghether and cook dinner again. Soon. Maggan, for having read "And I don't want to live this life" and always having time for coffee at Ariman. I'm so happy I took film studies with you this summer. Huw, my favourite Australian. It was a pleasure being your mentor. I just might show up on your doorstep one day. Joe and Tobias, for all the great times we've had in Belfast. My cousins Lisa, Sanne and Nilla; hope to see you all soon. All the girls from LARS; Kerstin, Lisa, Lisa, Ingela, Jessica, Ingrid, Challe, Johanna, Elna; that was one great LundaKarneval! And we did it all by ourselves, built our own Belgian Blue, got bruised, had fun and took the whole thing apart. And we got our faces in the paper doing it. See, you elected the right girl for PR/web person. Doreen, for loving Spike and reminding me that there is only one dandygeek. Mike, for not being a stereotypical American. Maybe there is hope for the US? My family; mormor, morfar, farmor, Albin, and all the rest.
My dad, Hasse. Your spirit lives on in me. It's been ten years and I still miss you, even though I know that you never really left my side.
To all I've mentioned and those I have forgotten; thank you for being in my life.
Without you I'd be nothing.