“A wise man said, “The reason I see so far is because I stand on the shoulders of the giants that came before me.” Sometimes the giants are those people close to us, and people we see every day. Being so close, perhaps sometimes we don’t even realize their greatness. Or how their greatness gives us the boost to be great ourselves. Do you have friends, family, a beloved in your life that lifts you up, encourages you, hears you, supports you? If there is even one, you are rich. I am rich.” ~ Rev. Pattie Weber

This was posted on the Spiritual Center for Positive Living’s Facebook page yesterday (one of my favorite Facebook pages) and it has me feeling truly blessed.  Mama and I know some inspirational giants and I think they deserve to be recognized.

I certainly see greatness in all of my friends and acquaintances — it’s all in how you look at people — but a couple of people in my life radiate greatness in a extra-special ways.    They have light and sweetness radiating through every cell of their beings.  And I am inspired.

You’ve heard me mention cousin Velma and her dog, my cousin, Hannah.  Well, Velma is one of those peeps who makes you want to be a better person (or dog).  The energy and effort she seamlessly gives to others will inspire you too.

Velma and her mom (mama's Aunt Shirley)

Velma had a special birthday last week.  She turned 56 and she was born in 1956, so this will undoubtedly be an exceptionally special year for her.  Velma’s birthday is March 3, 1956 — yes, that’s 3-4-56 — extraordinary symmetry for an extraordinary woman.

This amazing woman is not only one of mama’s cousins, but also one of her best friends, confidant and inspiration.  She’s a wife, mom, sister to a 6 siblings (mother hen!), entrepreneur and ebay power-seller.  And she still has time to give of herself.

For her birthday, Velma wanted to spend the day doing things that make her happy.  Not an unusual birthday goal, but her choice of activities may inspire you.  Special Velma spent her special day handing out lunches to homeless families followed by an afternoon of karaoke at an assisted living facility.

I told you that you’d feel inspired!

Another light-filled being in our lives is my Aunt Lisa (mama’s dear friend).  Lisa is the embodiment of generosity.  She finds great joy in helping others — her family, her friends, her animals, her coworkers and her clients (cancer patients).

Aunt Lisa made sure she was with me in my last hours.  And, maybe more importantly, she was a comfort to mama as I was making my exit from my earth-body.  And it was Lisa, weeks later, who insisted on purchasing Timmy Elijah from the breeder to help heal my family.

Aunt Lisa with Timmy Elijah Love

A year ago, at the holidays, a friend of Lisa’s was having out of town family coming to visit and the friend was a bit stressed because her carpets were not “guest ready” (due to her pack of dogs).  Lisa’s friend felt she just had to be ok with the state of her carpets, as she didn’t have the funds to replace them.

Well, when Lisa’s friend went away for a weekend, Lisa grabbed the reins and hired a carpet company to come in and replace the flooring as a surprise for her friend.  Needless to say, the response was jaw-dropping appreciation!

Now you’re really inspired, right?

People like Velma and Lisa are earthly teachers and proof of Divine Presence.  We all have shiny, bright souls in our lives and I believe they are here to guide us to being better people, and pups.

I would love to hear about the shiny souls in your world!