Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68005
When I was 9 years old, my grandmother passed away. She and my grandfather had been married for 50 years, and he took her passing really hard. For a week, he could not sleep or eat. My aunt, who at the time was a practicing massage therapist, gave him a one- hour massage. That was when his body relaxed enough for him to start sleeping. From that point on, I realized what the power of touch can do to help someone heal. That is what made me want to be a massage therapist. Fran Johnson Statesboro, Georgia Robert King. He is an enthusiastic, personable, and wonderful motivator for massage therapists. I took one of his workshops and was very impressed. His knowledge and humility are outstanding and he is an excellent teacher. JODY HUTCHINSON PACIFIC GROVE, CALIFORNIA One of the most influential people in my bodywork career was my first boss, Joel Tull. My initial interview with him almost 15 years ago occurred while I was still in school. And, as I have told him, it was not the most pleasant experience of my career ... in fact, at the time it seemed like a complete disaster. However, that experience totally shaped my work for the better. Why? Because he gave me honest (although somewhat critical) feedback about my techniques and skills. He let me know what I needed to work on and where I could make improvements. Then after he hired me, he tutored me on those same areas and techniques until I perfected them. At the time of the interview, I was crushed and thought I had entered the wrong profession. Later, looking back on it, I realize that Joel actually gave me a gift and helped me to always want to make my work, my business, and the massage profession the best they could and can be. He is still a colleague, mentor, and friend to this day. FELICIA BROWN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA My bodywork career has been profoundly influenced by Suzanne P. Reese. She has unequivocal care and concern for all: for the youngest, the least understood, the unwanted. She has passion and conviction that all have the inalienable right to nurturing touch, to feel safe, and to be honored and respected. Her level of compassion and her gift for always speaking positively is awe-inspiring. However, I don't want to be like Suzanne, I want to be me! We all have our talents and we all have a mark to make on the world. I appreciate and value her influence on my life and my work. JESSICA SHENEFIELD SNOW CAMP, NORTH CAROLINA I grew up seeing my grandmother and grandfather performing their style of massage when someone was sick. They utilized herbal medicine as well as massage to "heal" the people who came to them. As I got older, these practices were considered the old way of natural medicine. My grandparents were of Native-American decent from Arizona. I married, had children, and quickly became disillusioned with the practices of modern medicine, which, in my opinion, do not get to the root of the illness and create more imbalances within the body. I decided I would learn massage therapy and carry on a natural tradition for the health of my family and my clients. I was very fortunate to find a massage therapy school in Joplin, Missouri, that fit my needs. Now, I have a thriving massage therapy business and wonderful clients who are now on the road to better health. I will take the "old way" any day. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa. DIANNE OVERTON CARTHAGE, MISSOURI visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 31