Heroes

I titled yesterday's blog "Death of a Hero." I used the word hero perhaps because one of the dictionary's descriptions of the word hero is "Any man noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose; especially one who has risked or sacrificed his life." This is an apt description for our fallen soldier.

It got me thinking more about heroes as I today I read a news magazine's stories of the "100 Most Influential People in the World." Most of these people, I would think would qualify as a hero based on another description of the word hero that is "A person prominent in some event, field, period or cause by reason of his/her special achievement or contributions." Most of us will never meet any of these heroes, however we may benefit greatly from their achievements and contributions. There are so many unsung heroes in each of our lives, that may never grace the cover of our local newspaper, much less the cover of a national news magazine. Yet their achievements and contributions to our lives are enormous.

My number one hero is my mother. How could I say anything less? If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here! :) Just kidding. My mother doesn't read this blog as she doesn't have a touch-tone phone (still has the dial-up version), much less a computer. It's too bad that she is missing out of reading my sister and brother's blog sites and their creative writing. She would be proud of them, because my mom is a writer.

When I was a child she would stories, poems, and letters. Today, she still writes letters and she is proud (rightly so) of her beautiful handwriting, that wonderful old cursive style that has fallen by the wayside. While they were visiting us for four weeks this winter, I think my Mom wrote 30+/- letters to friends and relatives up North. These were not just 3-5 sentences letters either, she would describe what the weather was like (hot compared to Northern Wisconsin) and what they had done and seen. She shared their joy of being on "vacation" with their family and friends who were not able to be on "vacation." My mother truly understands the joy of writing... sharing. Sharing what you've done, seen, felt, heard, tasted, and thought. Experiences!

You can count on my mom to inform people of events and activities. It is not uncommon to get a postcard or letter from her describing an up-coming family reunion or cousin's birthday party or graduation. My mother is a strong believer in keeping families intact. Getting together for a fun time is a main priority for her (and Dad too). They have hosted many a Halloween parties, sliding parties (when you slide down a snow-covered hill on a sled, toboggan or inner tube), and big-time graduation parties for each of us. Enthusiasm!

If you have read my blog, you will know that I was on a spiritual retreat about 4 weeks ago. One of the final aspects of the weekend was being handed a package of letters & cards from family, friends and co-workers. It was an awesome experience and so uplifting. Uplifting because other people took the time to write their thoughts and feelings. I opened one card from a high school good friend with whom I had seldom spoken in 39 years, much less seen. She wrote, "I bet you never thought you would hear from me. Your mom was in the drug store & was telling me about what you were doing, so I thought I'd write you a note." You could have blown me over with feather! That's my mom for you, not afraid to speak up and gather support for others. She not only told my former classmate, but she wrote or spoke to siblings, cousins and old neighbors and told them of my journey. All of these letters were precious!

However, the most priceless letter was from my mom. It was not a long letter as she sometimes writes, but short. I can imagine her sitting at the dining room table, laboring over the choice of words to use. Maybe, she wrote quickly, yet from experience, I doubt it. Here is her opening....

Dear Rayna,
I loved you before your were born
I loved you while I gave birth to you
I have loved you for the past 56 2/3 yrs.

So there's no doubt about it!
You are loved!

It was certainly enough to make a grown woman cry, again! I felt like God was speaking through her to me. It was a comforting feeling, and a feeling that I'm thankful for.

Today, my mom, at age 76, is walking in a Relay for Life. As of Thursday night, she had raised $400 to contribute to that worthy cause of fighting cancer(my mom lost her father and sister to cancer). Again, my mom has enthusiasm in garnering support for causes. She told me that she was in the drugstore (different one than where my classmate works) and she "just happened to tell the druggist" that she was walking for cancer. He handed her $40 for her contribution, she was "overwhelmed." No, it's my mother that is overwhelmingly good! She's my #1 Hero!

I hope she has a wonderful Mother's Day, she is priceless!