webster's 1828 defines influence the following way: "literally, a flowing in, into or on, and referring to substances spiritual or too subtle to be visible, like inspiration...moral power; power of truth operating on the mind, rational faculties or will, in persuading or dissuading, as the influence of motives, or arguments, or of prayer...power acting on sensibility; as the influence of love...spiritual power, or the immediate power of God on the mind; as divine influence; the influences of the Holy Spirit."
the men surrounding my son are men he looks up to, respects, and loves a great deal, and they have a great amount of influence upon him. they care for him so much that they were willing to come to a special dinner for him last night planned by my husband, where they shared wisdom, prayers, and encouragement in letters they wrote and presented to him. i am beyond grateful for their influence in his life.
