Heroes, Part 2

As I was writing about Jet and his longtime hero, Ryne Sandberg, I began to reflect on heroes in my life. Did I have one? Off hand, I cannot recall having a hero in my youth, as did Jet. I do realize, though, I have many heroes today. 

I will say that Jet is a hero of mine. I truly mean that. He’s taught me many things about myself without him even realizing it. He’s strong and meek at the same time. He’s very kind and reserved. Much like his own hero.

But that goes the same for his five siblings. They have all taught me a lot about life. Lessons I may never have learned without their help. They are very unique individuals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, but their combination creates a whole for me. My kids have their own set of super power strengths. While they do have powers that intertwine and overlap with one another other, these are the powers that stand out the most for each of them.

Nathan – autodidact, creative, inquisitive

Jet – goal achiever, dedicated, articulate  

Denae – determined, gracious, spirited 

Ezekiel – resilient, upright, imaginative

Charlie – assertive, intuitive, humorous

Mattea – courageous, sensitive, thoughtful

D is a new hero to me. He has made it through life by being true to himself, yet self-sacrificing. He is self-sufficient, kind, and humble. His deep sense of caring comes from his heart so his every action is done purposefully and with meaning. 

I have dear friends I consider to be heroes as well. Friends who are not recognized for the great things they do for others. Mostly, they go unnoticed and unseen. It doesn’t seem fair, yet more often than not, they prefer it this way.

Truth is that heroes don’t come wrapped with pretty ribbon. They don’t have a scar on their forehead like Harry Porter, nor do they sport capes. Heroes look like fathers, or a server at your neighborhood Denny’s. Heroes are single moms, your child’s bus driver, a well-known second baseman, a step-dad, or a school crossing guard. A hero might be someone who simply brought out the best in you. One who helped you discover the talents you never realized you had. A hero may have been in your life for only a short time but truly made a difference in who you are today. A hero may have simply touched your heart.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, colors and creeds. You might not recognize them at first, but you will if you sit down long enough to talk with them. You’ll know by their quiet, selfless disposition. You will know by how much they love others. 

Who’s the hero in your life?

♥️

Andi