Ever known someone you think is "special?"

[Sharop]

Now, obviously, for most people, they will consider family members special, and friends, but I wanted to know, does anyone here know anybody, or has ever known anybody, that they consider "special" in some way? A cut above the rest? A person that is just so amazing, that there's just something special about them?

There's one person I know that I consider special. He's quite young, very intelligent, and has a vibrant personality. He's very friendly to everyone, and there's just something about him and his personality that makes me see him as special. I feel honoured to know him, honoured to be in his presence.

Has there ever been anyone/is there anyone that people here have felt similarly about?

[vienna waits]

Clay Aiken's twin last night was someone I would consider "special"... but a different kind of special.

[swedeace]

Originally Posted by Sharop

Now, obviously, for most people, they will consider family members special, and friends, but I wanted to know, does anyone here know anybody, or has ever known anybody, that they consider "special" in some way? A cut above the rest? A person that is just so amazing, that there's just something special about them?

There's one person I know that I consider special. He's quite young, very intelligent, and has a vibrant personality. He's very friendly to everyone, and there's just something about him and his personality that makes me see him as special. I feel honoured to know him, honoured to be in his presence.

Has there ever been anyone/is there anyone that people here have felt similarly about?

Yes, I have considered a friend of mine to be very special. There is just something about him that makes him special. Part of it is just his vast interest in how he seems to have a self-taught behavior. He is also very knowledgeable and keeps up with the latest computer 411, and he always good advice on helping with it when I had some questions. Just like robyrob around here. But anyway, he also had this special aura that I felt when I first actually sat down and talked with him in person how fun it was to just converse. I don't know how else to explain this "feeling," but it just makes me feel much more affinity towards him to the point that I can easily bug him since he is not really a sociable person. Well..... It makes it quite difficult explaining these feelings, though. If I were to have a "go" at it, it will just sound confusing, and he'd probably think, "Okay.... you are a little obsessed with me."

But I know what you mean.... It's one of those sometimes unexplainable things that can draw us to another person even if they may not really understand.

[Janice]

My mother, and it's not because I'm her daughter. Most everyone who met her wanted to be her friend. Strangers would approach her in stores to ask her opinion. The real estate woman who sold them their home befriended her. Neighbors came by for coffee. Many people wanted to befriend her.

She was a great listener, and a great mind to give good advice. I think that had a lot to do with it.

[EmoJoe]

my mom

[Brad Russ]

I'm sure this'll come as no surprise to anyone, but my mom is one heck of a special person. The things she has gone through in her life have been extremely extremely difficult. She's the type of person who wil do anything at anytime to help just about anyone. She's one of the hardest workers Iv'e ever seen, and she always does it with a big smile on her face. She went through hell with me when I was a teen, but despite the misery I put her through, she always stood beside me, and wouldn't give up on me when everyone else did. She's one of those women who has done so much in her life for others, yet has gotten so little in return. Which is why I'm going to spend the rest of my life doing good things for her. Taken her to the beach, movies, her sister's in Arizona, etc. I'll never be able to repay her for all she's done for me, but I'll sure as heck die trying. She truly is the most special person Iv'e ever known, and ever will know!!!!!!!!!! I Love You Mom!!!!!!

[Number 9 Dream]

That made me tear up a little, Brad. As I've told you before, I think it's wonderful the things you do for your Mom. She's very lucky to have you in her life, and I'm quite positive you feel the same way

Anyway, to answer the question-- My parents! Definitely. I am closer to my Mom, but I love my Dad too and they have both made sacrifices for us kids. They love us so much and remind us of that each day.

Originally Posted by Little Mel

I'm sure this'll come as no surprise to anyone, but my mom is one heck of a special person. The things she has gone through in her life have been extremely extremely difficult. She's the type of person who wil do anything at anytime to help just about anyone. She's one of the hardest workers Iv'e ever seen, and she always does it with a big smile on her face. She went through hell with me when I was a teen, but despite the misery I put her through, she always stood beside me, and wouldn't give up on me when everyone else did. She's one of those women who has done so much in her life for others, yet has gotten so little in return. Which is why I'm going to spend the rest of my life doing good things for her. Taken her to the beach, movies, her sister's in Arizona, etc. I'll never be able to repay her for all she's done for me, but I'll sure as heck die trying. She truly is the most special person Iv'e ever known, and ever will know!!!!!!!!!! I Love You Mom!!!!!!

[Nighthawk76]

I consider anyone that I have ever been friends with to be special.

[Brieannas21]

Originally Posted by vienna waits

Clay Aiken's twin last night was someone I would consider "special"... but a different kind of special.

[swedeace]

Originally Posted by _Jen_

I have three dear friends, Mrs. D., Mrs. H. & Mrs. C. Out of the three the one that is the most 'special' would be my bestfriend Mrs. D. She is such a wonderful role model. She's very kind, sweet, and caring. She has really made a difference in my life. Though I have low-self esteem before I knew her I had no self-esteem. My self-esteem would probably be higher if I had the chance to spend time with her on a regular basis like I used to. There are times when I don't know what I would have done if it had not been for her. She and I get along very well. She's like a mom to me. I truly value her friendship and idolize her. She was there for me when I really needed a friend during the time I was in high school. She helped me see that I was worth caring about and liking.

Overall, I'm thankful for the friends I've have and have had in my lifetime. During my childhood I never really had anyone who actually wanted to spend time with me and the friends I have helped me realize that I'm worth more than I normally give myself credit for. I spent years feeling isolated and there are times when I still am, but I know that I have a few good friends, they know who they are, that like me for who I am and when I need them they are there for me.

What a nice story, Jenny! That reminds me of a similar story too, and I nearly forgot about it (*sheepish look*) until I read yours. It would fit perfeclty for this thread as well.

I had one of the best instructors EVER in my life during the first semester I entered college (the Autumn right after I graduated from high school). There was just something about her. She was very nice-natured, always helping her students, always gave encouragement to her students for trying/doing homework, etc. I had never felt I had such an awesome instructor as her during my required schooling years. I ended up taking her for two other classes within the next upcoming year.

Two years after my third class with her in 1999, I ended up working as a part-time workstudy tech, so I got to see her again. Once again, she was very nice, and she would introduce me to her classes that I am great help if any of the students need help. That was nice.

Then, I applied for a fulltime tech job in early 2000, and I got the job! Which, btw, is still my current job as of today. Just a couple of months later in April, my dad was back to his usual being a jerk towards my mom. I was still living at home with both of my parents. He had been doing this for many years, actually. I finally got FED up with it, but I was NOT sure what to do. I was scared. I was intimidated by my dad, but I didn't want my mom to suffer. She doesn't have the strength or will to leave my dad. I was sooooo nervous when I got to work that I felt like a shaking zombie. At the time, I didn't know WHO I could trust about this personal familial matter of mine.

Then.... I thought of someone! My former instructor (but also now a co-worker at the time). I just felt this would be something to truly confide in her. I didn't know where else to turn. I NEEDED suggestions and just to get all of this off my chest.

I approached her at her desk during her office hours. Luckily, she wasn't already in class teaching or I don't know what on earth I would have done! But anyway.... she was sitting and working, and I nervously asked her if I can bother her and talk to her. I asked her if we could talk in private. We went into the conference room and closed both doors.

I then let out what was going on in my home, and I just bawled like a complete baby. I vividly still remember my instructor/co-worker's eyes as she placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring hug that everything would be okay. So she then helped me call the police to report his physical abuse towards my mom. They went over and arrested my dad.

My aunt from California (my dad's sister) found out about it and came down. She understood why I did what I did, but she still wanted to bail out my dad. My dad had to take a couple of classes with my mom dealing with counselling. They didn't really work. He was still controlling and back to his old ways after my aunt left and after some weeks later.

This time on a Saturday morning in early June, my mom just walked off and ran away. She ended up hiding and scared in a nearby aunt's house. They were out of town, so she called my cousin (my aunt's oldest daughter). From then on, my mom had to re-learn living on her own, working and being independent. NONE of the things she was ever privileged with while living with my dad.

But anyway.... my instructor was there for me, and I appreciated it. She knew I felt comforted when my dad was arrested, and she would ask me every week how I was doing. She was concerned. Eventually during the summer, I "lied" to her by NOT telling her about my visiting aunt/the bail, etc.... So I started avoiding her like the plague. It was difficult avoiding her a couple of times especially a couple of times when I had to talk to her in order to sub for a couple of her classes. Most of the time, however, I was successful at avoiding and lying to her.

It wasn't until around November when I found out we techs were going to sub for her classes during the remainder of the last month or so of the Fall 2000 semester. I learned she was getting surgery for cancer in early November. Something went wrong with the surgical procedure that we were all hoping she will recover. It was THEN and there that my "avoidance" guilt during the summer was eating at me. I started to feel bad and sad for her.

She eventually recovered, so that was very good news to me. It was a special birthday/Christmas present for me since my birthday is in early December to learn of her recovery.

She took off the entire Spring 2001 semester, but I took the initiative of asking another instructor who is a best friend to her what her email address is. She gave it to me, and my instructor/co-worker and I kept in touching during the Spring semester. She was going through weeks of chemo. It was rough and grueling, but she was slowly recovering in remission.

She eventually retired in July 2002. After the treatments, they were all making her very exhausted that she didn't have the energy or the patience to teach any longer. I could tell the differences, but that is the way it was. It was best for her to retire.

Almost four years later, and I try and keep in touch with her either via email (even if it is not very often anymore) or asking her friends how she's doing. She's taking fitness classes at my college, but she hasn't visited our department quite yet. I haven't seen her in person for nearly three years ago.

But anyway... Jenny reminded me of teacher stories. I have to say my former instructor/co-worker is just another special person. Whoa.... sorry sooooo long. I had sooooooooo much to say!!!!

[Nighthawk76]

Originally Posted by swedeace

What a nice story, Jenny! That reminds me of a similar story too, and I nearly forgot about it (*sheepish look*) until I read yours. It would fit perfeclty for this thread as well.

I had one of the best instructors EVER in my life during the first semester I entered college (the Autumn right after I graduated from high school). There was just something about her. She was very nice-natured, always helping her students, always gave encouragement to her students for trying/doing homework, etc. I had never felt I had such an awesome instructor as her during my required schooling years. I ended up taking her for two other classes within the next upcoming year.

Two years after my third class with her in 1999, I ended up working as a part-time workstudy tech, so I got to see her again. Once again, she was very nice, and she would introduce me to her classes that I am great help if any of the students need help. That was nice.

Then, I applied for a fulltime tech job in early 2000, and I got the job! Which, btw, is still my current job as of today. Just a couple of months later in April, my dad was back to his usual being a jerk towards my mom. I was still living at home with both of my parents. He had been doing this for many years, actually. I finally got FED up with it, but I was NOT sure what to do. I was scared. I was intimidated by my dad, but I didn't want my mom to suffer. She doesn't have the strength or will to leave my dad. I was sooooo nervous when I got to work that I felt like a shaking zombie. At the time, I didn't know WHO I could trust about this personal familial matter of mine.

Then.... I thought of someone! My former instructor (but also now a co-worker at the time). I just felt this would be something to truly confide in her. I didn't know where else to turn. I NEEDED suggestions and just to get all of this off my chest.

I approached her at her desk during her office hours. Luckily, she wasn't already in class teaching or I don't know what on earth I would have done! But anyway.... she was sitting and working, and I nervously asked her if I can bother her and talk to her. I asked her if we could talk in private. We went into the conference room and closed both doors.

I then let out what was going on in my home, and I just bawled like a complete baby. I vividly still remember my instructor/co-worker's eyes as she placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring hug that everything would be okay. So she then helped me call the police to report his physical abuse towards my mom. They went over and arrested my dad.

My aunt from California (my dad's sister) found out about it and came down. She understood why I did what I did, but she still wanted to bail out my dad. My dad had to take a couple of classes with my mom dealing with counselling. They didn't really work. He was still controlling and back to his old ways after my aunt left and after some weeks later.

This time on a Saturday morning in early June, my mom just walked off and ran away. She ended up hiding and scared in a nearby aunt's house. They were out of town, so she called my cousin (my aunt's oldest daughter). From then on, my mom had to re-learn living on her own, working and being independent. NONE of the things she was ever privileged with while living with my dad.

But anyway.... my instructor was there for me, and I appreciated it. She knew I felt comforted when my dad was arrested, and she would ask me every week how I was doing. She was concerned. Eventually during the summer, I "lied" to her by NOT telling her about my visiting aunt/the bail, etc.... So I started avoiding her like the plague. It was difficult avoiding her a couple of times especially a couple of times when I had to talk to her in order to sub for a couple of her classes. Most of the time, however, I was successful at avoiding and lying to her.

It wasn't until around November when I found out we techs were going to sub for her classes during the remainder of the last month or so of the Fall 2000 semester. I learned she was getting surgery for cancer in early November. Something went wrong with the surgical procedure that we were all hoping she will recover. It was THEN and there that my "avoidance" guilt during the summer was eating at me. I started to feel bad and sad for her.

She eventually recovered, so that was very good news to me. It was a special birthday/Christmas present for me since my birthday is in early December to learn of her recovery.

She took off the entire Spring 2001 semester, but I took the initiative of asking another instructor who is a best friend to her what her email address is. She gave it to me, and my instructor/co-worker and I kept in touching during the Spring semester. She was going through weeks of chemo. It was rough and grueling, but she was slowly recovering in remission.

She eventually retired in July 2002. After the treatments, they were all making her very exhausted that she didn't have the energy or the patience to teach any longer. I could tell the differences, but that is the way it was. It was best for her to retire.

Almost four years later, and I try and keep in touch with her either via email (even if it is not very often anymore) or asking her friends how she's doing. She's taking fitness classes at my college, but she hasn't visited our department quite yet. I haven't seen her in person for nearly three years ago.

But anyway... Jenny reminded me of teacher stories. I have to say my former instructor/co-worker is just another special person. Whoa.... sorry sooooo long. I had sooooooooo much to say!!!!

That was a really touching story, Mona. I am sorry about you having to deal with a father who was abusive towards your mother.

[Nighthawk76]

Originally Posted by _Jen_

I have three dear friends, Mrs. D., Mrs. H. & Mrs. C. Out of the three the one that is the most 'special' would be my bestfriend Mrs. D. She is such a wonderful role model. She's very kind, sweet, and caring. She has really made a difference in my life. Though I have low-self esteem before I knew her I had no self-esteem. My self-esteem would probably be higher if I had the chance to spend time with her on a regular basis like I used to. There are times when I don't know what I would have done if it had not been for her. She and I get along very well. She's like a mom to me. I truly value her friendship and idolize her. She was there for me when I really needed a friend during the time I was in high school. She helped me see that I was worth caring about and liking.

Overall, I'm thankful for the friends I've have and have had in my lifetime. During my childhood I never really had anyone who actually wanted to spend time with me and the friends I have helped me realize that I'm worth more than I normally give myself credit for. I spent years feeling isolated and there are times when I still am, but I know that I have a few good friends, they know who they are, that like me for who I am and when I need them they are there for me.

[swedeace]

Originally Posted by DAX

That was a really touching story, Mona. I am sorry about you having to deal with a father who was abusive towards your mother.

Thanks, Mike. Yeah, it was a real life change during that era.

[D.J.]

Originally Posted by Little Mel

I'm sure this'll come as no surprise to anyone, but my mom is one heck of a special person. The things she has gone through in her life have been extremely extremely difficult. She's the type of person who wil do anything at anytime to help just about anyone. She's one of the hardest workers Iv'e ever seen, and she always does it with a big smile on her face. She went through hell with me when I was a teen, but despite the misery I put her through, she always stood beside me, and wouldn't give up on me when everyone else did. She's one of those women who has done so much in her life for others, yet has gotten so little in return. Which is why I'm going to spend the rest of my life doing good things for her. Taken her to the beach, movies, her sister's in Arizona, etc. I'll never be able to repay her for all she's done for me, but I'll sure as heck die trying. She truly is the most special person Iv'e ever known, and ever will know!!!!!!!!!! I Love You Mom!!!!!!

That was very touching Brad. When I was younger, I wasn't that much better in terms of behavior. I was pretty much the Beast from the East. Growing up with ADD wasn't easy for me but my dad was there for me like your mom was there for you. Being a single parent is rough, especially when the father is raising the kid.

[Polniaczek033]

my boyfriend, forreal.
and i'm not just saying that like 'omfgzzz im 14 n wur soooolmat3z" but seriously. he's the best person i've ever met. hands down.