My Heroes

I’m putting pen to paper as I’m propped up in bed. It’s nearly midnight and I have to be up to go to work in just a few hours, but the words won’t let me sleep—not till I get them out of my head and on to paper.

I wrote an e-mail earlier today about Queen Liliuokalani and mentioned she was a hero of mine and that got me to thinking about heroes in general. Don’t know if heroes is the correct word, but is it the best description for now.

So indulge me as I share some of mine. When you get your own blog, you can share yours.

Deborah. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible. The original woman in a combat zone.

Queen Esther. For such a time as this. Life or death decisions from a man she married, but hardly knew. She saved her people.

Mary, the mother of Jesus. An unwed, pregnant girl, chosen to be the mother of the savior of the world. How at odds she must have felt with the traditions of her world and promises of the new world her son brought.

Mary, the sister of Lazarus. Shocked a room full of men by using a bottle of perfume as a foot bath. The reasons were lost on all but Jesus.

Maratha, the sister of Lazarus. I refuse to call her the “other” sister, or also the sister, as she is just as important as Mary. She tried so hard. I’d like to think that she mended her ways and became a little more “Mary like”.

Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale. Both of these women sacrificed much to bring relief and treatment to injured and dying soldiers. Standing firm in the face of opposition, they saved lives in time of war. Ms. Barton went on to found the Red Cross and ended up forced out of her own organization and losing her health.

Amelia Earhart. She had an adventurous dream and it cost her her life.

Queen Liliuokalani of Hawai’i. She only wanted what was best for her people. She was jailed and eventually lost her kingdom. She was dignified and respectful through the whole affair.

My grandmother, Esther Stevens. She was a divorced single mom who raised three children at a time when it was socially unacceptable. She gave them her strength and her strong faith in God.

My Aunt Gladys Pierce. She took a lot of good natured ribbing from the family. She spent most of her teaching career with mentally challenged students. She never married, but fiercely loved her nieces and nephews. I’ve been told I’m a lot like her. She gave all children her love and respect.

Friends that God has put in my path: Grandma O, Grandma Jackie, Mary, Charlotte, Sher, Beverly, Penny and Tina, Joyce, Kathy and Cathy . I’ve learned so much just by association. They each give the best parts of themselves.

My niece, Heather. She had her life turned upside down and shaken and has landed on her feet. She gives love to her son and compassion to those she meets through work. Her faith, determination and sense of humor has brought her through much, and will continue to serve her well. I love you, H.

My mother. She gave me life. She showed patience, as I was a strong willed, manipulative child, and she always gave me just enough rope to let me hang myself on several occasions, yet she never let go of the other end. I love you, Mom.

Thank you God for heroes.

Stevie

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