Maysie Aveline H

Her children and grandchildren called her "Mama"; the great- and great-great grandchildren called her "Nanny", but when any of us think of love and kindness, hers is the face that comes to mind. This beautiful woman could always find something to love and praise about anyone she met. She had a hard life, but never complained, never said unkind things about anyone. Her faith and devotion to God was honored by answered prayers, so much so that we always believed that she had a hotline to Him. She taught us all by living her beliefs.

But Mama was only one of my heroes. I have been blessed with many. My mother, sitting at a sewing machine for hours making clothes for others in exchange for fabric to clothe my sister and me; standing for hours ironing for extra money; working side-by-side with my dad, doing work many strong young men would find physically taxing; all this, and more, while her spine curved more and more with scoliosis; showing faith and strength through her battle with breast cancer, never losing her sense of humor...that's a hero.

My father, the hero who usually worked 12 to 18 hours every day, not just to provide for us, but so that Mom could be home for us.

Other heroes: Uncle G who ran barefoot down a dark gravel road to be with me when I had a pain-induced seizure. John, my late husband, who loved my son as if he were his own. Jann, my sister, the strong one you can count on when everyone else is falling apart in a crisis. Courtney, my neice, so loving, compassionate and protective with her mentally challenged clients at the state school. Angie, sweet daughter-in-law, wonderful mother to my grandchildren. A hero who helps their oldest son to not only remember, but to honor, the mother that gave him life but died too soon. My friend, David, who helped me at a time when I couldn't help myself.

And now that I have dystonia, and am weak and jerk and twist, I find heroes of all ages, all races, from all walks of life, male and female, family and friends and strangers who are so kind and helpful. Yes, I am so very blessed to live a life filled with heroes.

Submitted by Anonymous

Teaching By Example