My mom. One of those people who wouldn't think twice about doing something for someone and always went completely and utterly out of her way to be cordial to everyone. She passed away when I was 12, in an act that was completely selfless and courageous itself - but the stories I hear about her constantly reconvince me of her being a real life superhero. It would take me ages just to single out the best thing she's done for someone. But just a couple of examples? For one, she was the oldest of two brothers and the daughter of an alcoholic that drank away all their money when my grandfather died. So what did my mom do in college? Worked atleast 2, if not 3 jobs, at a time just to send back money home for her brothers. In her free time she sewed all her own clothes in order to send back as much money as possible for them. My uncles still tear up everytime they think of a "classic Ellen" moment like that.

In my memory, we never had a bunch of money, but she would always hire less fortunate kids around the neighborhood for simple tasks like raking the leaves or mowing the lawn. Giving them not only money and lunch for helping out - but would bake casseroles and desserts for them to take home to their families, even if they came from a home of 4 or 6 kids.

Anyway, my mom was known around town for doing stuff like this. When she passed, the funeral director said it was the biggest turn out he had ever seen in his 46 years of service. My boldest memory of that day was when these roofers attended the funeral - they only worked on our house for 3 days, but my mom insisted on them taking breaks and finding out what food they liked for lunch. They ended up building a gazebo in her honor at the local elementary school, completely by donation.

I still cannot believe I had such an inspiration as a mother. It truly makes me want to be a better person every day.