Another role modeling example was that of my spiritual mentor. She was an outgoing, wonderful woman, and yet she had such a secure sense of self that she could assert her boundaries without being unpleasant or abrasive. I still strive to this day to emulate her in that regard.

Here is my favorite Ginny story. She was active in a small religious denomination for all of her adult life, and her husband was a minister. She worked very hard with him to build a little congregation for a church that did not survive their departure when he retired.

After he was dead and she was in her late 70s, a church starting up about an hour's drive away called and asked her to give the Sunday morning services. She said no. She no longer wanted that kind of long commute.

Apparently, the woman gushed over a good deal, concluding with, "But you have so much to give."

"I know, and I gave it," said Ginny.