I have three main interests in my life these days. First of all comes my dedication to my God and my spiritual responsibilities to Him. I believe that the entire universe began with God and will end with God. I have a personal relationship with the Spirit I so love and believe in. He became my first love at age 11 and remain so to my grave. I never walk alone.

The second most important is Jenny, the autistic child who has been my responsibility from the day she was born 20 years ago. Included in all that is my effort to bring the mother and child together to bond and continue on when I am no longer able to fulfill this awesome resonsibility. I am now in Pennsylvania managing a hotel for my Indian “family”, which offers that opportunity to Jenny’s mother. This will give Robin (the mother) time to bond with this incredible daughter of hers. Jenny will do anything to please.

Thirdly, comes my business. I want to say that you are the core of whatever success I might have had and I think I am experiencing many moments of online success. I also want to thank you for helping me with the first two priorities I mentioned above. You have encouraged and uplifted me spiritually, enhancing my communion with God. Our focus may not be exactly the same, but you are a deeply spiritual human being and you guide us toward the inner spirituality we all need to find peace and true happiness.

You have also helped me in my dealings with Jenny. When I was afraid to leave her you said, “The same God who will be with you in Pennsylvania is the same God who will be watching over Jenny in Tennessee.” That realization has made it possible for me to leave her for more than 30 days to be nurtured by that same God and her natural mother.

You are a such an influence to all of us who are blessed with your mentoring. I don’t know how you do it – you must be from another planet! Where do you ever find time to do all you do and do it with such a warm, cheerful spirit? Do you teach that? I wonder how many of your students could ever match your skill, your passion, and you strength! Probably none.

I love you and respect all that you do! There’s only ONE Dr. Mani!

Mary

My most influential people 2008 are offline contacts. 1) my hubs (has been topping continuously for 12 yrs) & 2) A lady who discarded everything in US to work for the welfare of under-privileged kids in Africa. Probably because I learn more about them and being a part of their mission, makes a difference.

Wonder if this holds true to everyone? or is it just me?

Thanks for sharing a list of some of the nice people you met in 2008. You have added some who I don’t know well and may need to be on my list for 2009!