Sunday Scribblings: Heroes

This week's prompt: "heroes" evokes first, a song from the 80's, then repulsion of idea that some people think a hero is someone famous or has money. I don't like the word hero; it's a loaded term filled with lots of expectations.

If I have to use the word "hero", it goes to the people on this earth, working to make the world a better place. They go about their days, quietly and humbly.

It is my friend/colleague at work who lost her oldest son to Fanconi Anemia two years ago. Of her two remaining sons, the youngest is also struck by this awful genetic disease. And how does a mother who's lost a child before their time and has another staring the disease in the face deal with life? The first year of his passing, she organized dinner/auction and raised over $100, 000 for research. She's organized a run/walk event each February to raise money for research. It is now in its third year and growing in size. She trained for the Portland Marathon, running in his memory to raise money for gene research. She had an idea and made it happen. This is a hero. Quiet and determined.

It is also my college roommate and friend, diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. She decided to walk in the "Weekend to End Breast Cancer" in Vancouver, BC. She's been walking and raising money for breast cancer research ever since; doing the 2005 and 2006 Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walking Event. And her husband has been a hero also, training with her in 2004 and then walking with her in the last two walks. Both heroes. Quiet and committed.

I teach. Everyday, there are little heroes coming to school. It's students who arrive at school, ready to learn, resilient despite their home life. It's the students who will bring presents for the giving tree or food for the food drive and yet, their families are just as in need. Not so quiet, their laughter and words speak hope.