H is for Heroes

 I MUST start with a salute to anyone who has ever served, is serving or gave their life serving our country to protect our freedom!  We are truly indebted to you for your commitment and sacrifice!!  This Veteran's Day we thank , honor and remember you. 

I would also like to give a shout out to the Everyday Heroes around us, too.

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I watched "Freedom Writers" this weekend and it made me realize I live in a middle-class, suburban bubble!  While many teens worry about spirit week fashion, homecoming displays and getting into college, other teens worry about gang violence, a roof over their heads and living to 16.  

This movie is based on a true story.  It chronicles the trials of Erin Grewell, a new teacher in an inner-city high school, who struggled to break down racial & gang barriers in her classroom, to reach the school's and society's cast-offs while teaching them life lessons through history and English.  She helped them gain self-respect and gave them hope for their futures.  She made many personal sacrifices to achieve this.  Not every teacher is like Erin Grewell but some are.  

They are inspirations and heroes!

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Ok!  Well, at risk of wading into charged political waters...

I recently saw a video of a talk given by Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor.

Sep 9, 2010 2:29pm

Disclaimer: I do not know the person who distributed the video.  It was passed on by others.  

Regardless of where I fall on the pro-life/pro-choice spectrum, I have to admire someone who is willing to make a stand.  Her history was beyond her control.  She didn't have to make it her cause or her life's work.  Her unique circumstances, however, provided her with an opportunity to speak up for those who could not speak for themselves.  She discusses some hot button topics for sure!!

I find her mission to be powerful and heroic.
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So, Who else?  My parents are my heroes!

 For doing the best they could with what they had.  For trying to give me and my brother a better life than they had.  For their unconditional love, faith, strength, wisdom, guidance & sacrifice.  {of course, I called all of these attributes something else back in the day...}
 Yup!  Once lame-O, kill-joys turned Heroes!  : )

Parenting is definitely full of delayed gratification.  I didn't get it until I became one.

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My kids are my heroes, too!

Regardless of my screw ups and failed parenting attempts, they are growing into wonderful human beings despite me!! 

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And for all of YOU behind.the.scenes people who volunteer and give of yourselves to make the world a better place - I continue my theme of Gratitude from last week - thank you for being Heroic!!

Blessings!