Like you, I have been privileged to be influenced by many role models.

At least half of them were amazing women.

My role models include the mother of our sons, a woman who has stood with me for 55 years despite friends who predicted it would never last.

They also include a fighter pilot’s wife – my wife’s mother. Her example of raising 4 happy, sane and successful children in places the Air Force took all of them inspires me every day.

My own mother’s example of resourcefulness and determination through years of severe depression gives me hope for all who battle emotional and mental agony.

My adopted mother, who recently died, raised 4 children of her own but was always available to me when I need encouragement and advice.

All but one of them are gone to that great place in the hereafter where they are waiting for the rest of us.

On Mother’s Day, our family and I will celebrate their memory as I hope you will do yourself for all the amazing women in your own life.

A tribute to one of these role models appears in The Editor Talks with You on Page A11.