Heroes

Last night I watched the CNN special/awards show on Heroes. While I had not heard of all the heroes profiled there were a couple that I had read about at other times and was happy to see them receive some recognition for their work. We, as a society, rarely give praise or awards to those who really deserve it. Regular people who do extraordinary things. We have numerous awards for actors, and singers but this is the first time, that I have seen anyways, that a show on everyday heroes has been broadcast on a major television network. It makes you think about what it is we really value.

My first holiday act of kindness is to write a letter to my everyday hero. I want to let them know how big a difference they have made in my life because they need to be recognized. They may not have all the paparazzi following them around, or be on the front page of a magazine, but they certainly deserve all the praise in the world. While I will not share with you this letter because I am not sure they would want me to, I will say this:

A long time ago they gave me a book to read for class. They took the time to get to know me, even though I didn't know who I was, and they recommended a book they thought that I would enjoy based on who they saw within me. The book changed my life. Not directly, or immediately, but the seed was planted then. I left for university later that year and that experience stuck with me. I found myself because this person took the time to pay attention. It was insignificant at the time because I am sure, knowing their character, that they did this with everyone they met. Sometimes, like was the case with me though, that insignificant act turned out to be a very significant turning point in my life. I am who I am because of many factors but the journey and path I found in life was based on a kind persons taking time to care. They are my everyday hero, deservedly so.

I don't want to tell anyone what to do, or to take the time to do this. However, I want you to think about what it would be like if someone told you that you were their everyday hero and why. Would that be a big pick-me-up? put a smile on your face? We need to tell the people in our lives how much they mean to us. We need to recognize the good and real instead of fawning over people who star in movies or sell millions of records. The people in the world who need our praise are too often the people we overlook. Take the time this holiday season to make notice.