Mine would have to be my eldest nephew. He became an Eagle Scout and we had the most wonderful trip together this past summer. He'll be graduating and going off to college next year - I'll surely miss him.

I'll have to think about it some, but right now my vote goes to your son, Alisande. He's just great!!

Aw, thanks, Patti--he really is. He was very close to his sister Jill, whom we lost, and then like all of us he had to deal with years of his dad's dementia. I'm very proud of what he's accomplished. I just sent him a card to tell him he's my Person of the Year. :-)

My husband. He has been self employed all of his life. Started running a shrimp boat in the summer when he was 14 and
then bought a boat when he was 16. It was a good living up until the mid '70's and then it started declining due to the influx of boats, lack of habitat and marsh land, and construction all up and down the coast...causing all the concrete streets, concreting banks of bayous, etc., and too much water run off, along with it the fertilizer, and all other chemicals from "civilization".

As it declined, we had to live on less but we simplified our lives, where we could, so we could live on less money. Finally with more restrictions to commercial fishing, and the extremely high cost of diesel...we just weren't able to make a living at it any more.

At age 61 he went to school to get his captain's license for a 200 ton vessel and all the classes he had to take...like radar, life boat, cpr, bridge management, etc., etc. He had to go to Alabama twice to take classes at what is called
the "Sea School", and took classes in Houston as well. He finished that, and got in his time for his towing endorsement. Now he has a job that pays from $500 to $750 a day. Not bad for someone who had to start over from scratch when most people are thinking about retiring.

For me, it is my Daughter-in-law, Dir_ty fingernails. With what she has been through and still have to face, battling cancer, she is my hero for as strong, brave and up-beat she is. We love that gal. Dottie

For me it has to be my nephew's wife. She was right by his side for the last year and a half as he battled pancreatic cancer. Through it all their two daughters never missed a practice, ballgame, any function. They live in TN and went back and forth to Baltimore to Johns Hopkins every week, he lost his battle on Oct.1st, she has been the strongest wife and mother I have ever known.

My dad. He lost both his parents this year, six weeks apart. He was the strength that saw his father through the loss of his mother, and his siblings through it all. Whatever came up, he dealt with it in a strong, quiet, peaceful way. Whatever happens in his family, the first response is to call him. I've never seen him show anger at anyone or anything without a motor (there is a story about a lawn mower ;o) and I've seen him kick a few cars), even when I know he must feel it on the inside. He is not the oldest of his siblings, but he is the family patriarch now. When I think back to all the biggest moments in my life, he was not just "there" he was a part of it.

I would have to say both our kids. They are 21 and 22 years old. They both have good jobs, never call in, able to save money and a pleasure to be around. I am so proud of them! Sometimes I think they have it together more than me LOL.

My husband. He is my heart.

My boss. She had two surgeries this year and has struggled with her health for almost 2 years. Through it all she maintained contact with everyone in the department and continued to provide guidance to our entire company. She's cheerful and funny, even on days when you can see she's in pain. Outside of work she's the heart of her extended family, taking care of everyone including an elderly mother and step-father. She put off back surgery so that she could be on her feet all day to cook for a large family gathering. Even when she had to go in a wheelchair, she took each of her grandkids to Universal Studios for their birthday. I've never seen anyone have a worse year but handle it with such class. We are all amazed by her.
Dolores is my person of the year.

Kate
(PS - my DH is my choice for Best Husband of the Year, as always!)

Right now it would be my husband~~~he is my rock~~~and my heart~~I have been going through alot of stress with my extended family and now our son has thrown a curve ball at us. My DH keeps me sane:)

Hands down, my "practice" grand daughter! I guess, really, her mom too. ;)

Practice, cause she really isn't my grand child, but all her grands are in Germany thus I stepped up to be a local grand. :)

Moni

Definetly my darling husband..he suffered a job loss a year before retirement a long physical illness,and a complete nervous breakdown which put him in the hospital for almost three months...he's doing so much better and is back to his olf self...but had to fight the depression every step of the way.With the help of a good Dr and family friends he's doing great,but it has been a hard struggle all the way.He's the love of my life and after a 45 year marriage it sure feels great to have him back!

Since the latter part of 2007 until June 2008, there have been SO many I could mentioned..but I guess I'll narrow it down to our son,Andy! On June 21st when his Dad died, he was thrown into a new role within a matter of minutes. He stepped into that role and handled everything (including "flack" from the inlaws for the choices we made) in a way I wouldn't have though possible! I know his Dad would have been as proud of him and I am!

Right now, my person of the year would be my nephew Jon. He is in Baghdad in the 82nd Airborne. He has no idea how very proud of him I am. He has no idea that I think of him every single day. He has no idea that I think he is the biggest hero ever!

Well, Vicki, I think it's time you let him know! :-)

I'm enjoying reading all the responses. It's uplifting to get to know these wonderful "People of the Year."

Edward Cullen :)

My daughter..she has been with every step of the way since my DH passed away. It hasn't been easy but she is always here to help in any way she can..she is a blessing..my Angel.

My DS 28 and my DD 31. They talk often to each other and call me often and give me an uplift much needed. It has been a tough year for me.

Gayle