May 2023

May 2023 Topic: Share about someone you admire or look up to.

By Suzy Rawlins with Roots and Boots with Suzy Rawlins

To say I am blessed to be surrounded by some of the most amazing people is an understatement.  As I get older, I find more value in fewer, more meaningful relationships than I do in having many friends, which makes the old adage “quality over quantity” ring true for me.

I admire so many strong women in my life, and I am sure I will fail to mention some; it is not intentional.  Let’s start with my Grandma Red, who was a sassy, fun, strong, and loving woman.  She taught me to be authentically me.  Then there was my Grandma Flo, who was a huge influence in my younger years, tough on me, and loved me so unconditionally.  My Ma (mom) has always worked so hard as a single mom for our family; she graduated with her master’s degree while teaching full-time.  My sister, Bee, has worked full-time and dedicated many years to pouring her heart into her local Girl Scout troop, not just for her daughter but for the community. My personal mentor, Donna, has always believed in me and encouraged me to stretch outside of my comfort zone. So many women (too many to mention) in my Mary Kay circle.  Dr. Yolanda is such an incredible inspiration because she is a female Marine, a naturopathic doctor, and she has taught me much about healing, both physically and mentally.  My dear friend, Cheryl, whom I consider family, has overcome so much and continues to gather community and change lives.  My friend and coach, Jamie, has inspired me to grow into whom I am authentically called to be, by her living her life so authentically.  I could seriously go on and on about some of the most beautiful souls that have inspired me and touched my life, and I am eternally grateful.

Of course, there are a number of men in my life that I admire; my Grandpa Jack, my dad, my incredible hubby, and both my boys.

Now let’s talk about the woman whom I would love to highlight.  Tonya Thompson is the owner of the Maricopa Water and Ice store.  I knew Tonya from a distance, watching her on Facebook and buying water from her store.  It was not until I had the opportunity to work for her that I really got to know her.  At the time, she was looking for some part-time help; I did not really need a job but wanted to help because I had watched this woman pour into our community repeatedly.  Tonya had some health issues that took her away from her store a bit, and I wanted to help her in the way she is always helping her customers and community.  As I got to know this woman, it was obvious that she goes 1,000 mph.  She is always giving back to the community, her love and dedication to developing strong youth, her commitment to becoming the best version of herself possible, and the joy she brings to a room when she walks in are just a few of the things I admire about this woman.  Tonya is a woman of faith; she loves the outdoors, advocates for community, youth, and mental health, and she defiantly leads by example.  She has also raised one of the most independent, beautiful, strong, and adorable young ladies I have ever met, her daughter Emilee.  Tonya hit a milestone birthday this year, and honestly, that gives me goals to be like her when I hit that milestone (in just a few years).