Last night I was privileged to hear a fellow business partner speak of her story. Her journey that took her to the successful business woman she is today. A journey that included two car accidents, both of which left her paralyzed and being told she'd never walk again. A journey that included sexual assault while in a wheel chair leading to the birth of her twin boys. A journey that included her mom being diagnosed with cancer while she was in the fourth grade. Her mom promised her that she would see her graduate. And sure enough, two months after her high school graduation, her mom passed away. This journey also included her leaving her house at age 14 because of an abusive step-father. Following this was the house she purchased as a Freshman in high school. At the time she had her twins, this woman no longer had her house, or a job, and was living out of her car. In a wheel chair. Along this journey there were a few successes. She had won a number of modeling pageants, some while in a wheel chair. And even started a flower shop. But none prepared her for being homeless with 2 kids and living off hardly anything. And all along this journey she continued to tell herself that there would be something on the other side if she just stuck and stayed. If for anything, for her mom. And at this point, opportunity came knocking and she was introduced to a business that has, over several years, allowed her to build a house that she wants, where she wanted. Raise her two boys in the environment of her choosing. She's been able to start giving back to communities and spend time with her extended family.

So what is the measure of success? Is it financial? Is it spiritual? Is it just being able to breathe regularly on a daily basis without the worry that you may not have a place to sleep at night? Or is it that moment when the doctors tell you that you probably won't walk ever again and you are on stage in front of several thousand people in your wheel chair and you stand up and take the podium? For her, it was all these things and more. Truly an inspiration to so many people, I count myself very lucky to have met her and work along side her.