These are my buddies, Paula and Pat.

I met Paula 10 years ago when I began teaching a writing class at a senior center near my house. She messed up my class. You see, I'd planned a short talk for each one, then wanted the students to spend the rest of the hour writing. Paula walked in using her cane and my plans flew out the window. I laugh now because I am so grateful I met her.

Paula told me once that she lost her sight and her husband on the same day. She had not realized how much she depended on her husband until he died. She had a degenerative disease which stole her sight. But that did not stop this woman that I so admire.

When I met her she was 72. She was taking aerobics classes weekly. She lived alone. She was happy and joyful. Nothing got her down. She is the epitome of 'if there is a will, there is a way.' She even tackled learning how to work a computer and began writing books.

I'm not sure how much I taught them, probably not much, but these women taught me much about life. They shared their lives, their hopes and dreams, their failures and difficulties. I am so glad they are my friends.

Who do you admire?