by Deb Seminary

Welcome to the first “Who Inspires You” issue. A few months ago, readers were invited to submit their inspirational stories and they rose to the occasion.

My first thank you goes to Rob Taylor. He sent me the idea a while back and I took it from there.

A huge thank you to all of the judges who read and re-read each of the 17 entries. It was not easy coming up with a ‘top three’ list.

I also want to thank our prize providers: Lifeways; Womens Health Center; SKIN at the Institute of Facial Surgery; McQuade Distributing; Bismarck Arts and Galleries Association; Identity Salon. I encourage you to support their businesses.

And finally, thank you to all of you who shared your stories. I hope to be able to publish each and every one in the coming months, as I know our readers will love your inspirational words.

Who did they write about? Mothers, aunts, acquaintances and grandmothers – quite a few grandmothers in fact!

The way our first place winner, Jessie Veeder Scofield, wrote about her grandmother, I could picture her on the ranch cooking, gardening and riding.

Beverly Everett, our second place winner, penned a story about a relatively new (and inspiring) relationship.

And, I’m sure every woman will appreciate Jeff Eslinger’s third place submission about his lovely wife, Kim.

Should we do this again next year? Read, then let me know at deb@theprinters.info.