My mother passed away in 2010 when I was ten years old, and we were best friends.

The loss has impacted my life immensely. No one will ever be able to take her place. However, there are great women that have been there for me as stand-in mothers. On this list you’ll read about a mix of friends’ moms, teachers, and women from church. They all come from different backgrounds and places and not many of them know each other, but there are a few things they all have in common. God has placed them all in my life at a time when I needed them. They are all reliable, strong in their faith, and skilled at hugging.

This is about them, the powerful women that either for a long time or short, decided to treat me like their own. This article is a happy one, meant to celebrate the people around me that deserve it.

1. Lisa Fiamingo

My awesome youth minister!!! Not many people know me as well as Ms. Lisa does. She’s someone that I know I can always rely on, and she’s not afraid to call me out when I need it. She’s fought for me in some very crucial times. If something crazy happens she’s one of the first people to know. She knows my troubles and has prayed over me a number of times. I usually call her about once every two weeks and we catch up. People have asked if I am her kid before!

2. Wendy Drabek

The mother of my favorite pair of twins! Mrs. Drabek was my Girl Scout troop leader back in the day, and she was actively there for my family back when my mom passed. She was actually friends with my mom too. She’s so patient, kind, and understanding-practically a walking saint. She’s opened up her home to me and will always be someone that has my heart. I just stayed with the Drabeks in Texas for a few days this summer!

3. Gail DeWitte

Ms. DeWitte was my literature teacher for my freshman and sophomore year in high school. There’s no teacher I rather have started my education at KennesawMountain with. We got along from day one and I’ve always known I can trust her. As a nervous freshman, she became the first teacher I knew I could run to during the school day if I needed it. She’s very passionate about teaching, and I know that my writing and reading comprehension definitely improved after taking her classes. I’m also pretty sure it’s been asked if I’m her kid. I always visit Ms. DeWitte when I’m at KMHS.

4. Kathy Stacy

My fifth grade teacher, and probably one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She had complete control of the classroom. She never had to yell. She was just the person in charge, and we listened. It seemed as if she was incredibly knowledgeable in basically everything. She was an impeccable grammar teacher, but also showed us THE best science experiments and taught us algebra. Mrs. Stacy was the first teacher we had that taught us how to write a legitimate essay, and I remember asking her to edit my some of my middle school papers. I also remember that she was one of the teachers that helped work the counseling group for our grade called “rainbows,” which helped the students going through difficult events. I was in that group for a short period of time, but I definitely knew she cared about her students and that I could always go to her.

5. Angela Fiechtl

Ms. Fiechtl has taught me three semesters worth of business classes and is my DECA advisor! In April, a group from my club went on a trip to California for international competition, and her and her husband were our adults. My friend and I made jokes about how they were like our mom and dad for the rest of that week, and we would also refer to Ms. Fiechtl as Mama Fiechtl. Ms. Fiechtl has not only taught me many lessons in business and being professional, but has taught me life lessons. I completely trust her, especially after going on multiple trips and following her through the busiest airport in the world (seriously look it up, it’s Hartsfield-Jackson). I can talk to her about anything. She seriously feels like a parent (a cool one).

6. Lauren DeMarco

My friend Mary Clare’s mom and an active member of the church I go to! She’s one of the most, if not THE most, giving person I know. She’s a devout, faithful Catholic that prays for everyone. Mrs. DeMarco has gone above and beyond to help me whenever she could, and I am so grateful for it. If you’re looking for advice from someone who is strong and wise, I would go to her. I haven’t known her for years and years, but she has truly treated me like one of her own.

These people are angels God has placed in my path to help me along the way. There are specific events in which each person on this list has come through for me. I love all of them and hope they receive the blessings they deserve. Even if you do have the perfect nuclear family, I encourage you to get to know the teachers and other adults in your life. I promise you will probably become friends with some pretty great people.