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Everyday Heroes
This subject of this week’s Spin Cycle – heroes and bravery – has been unusually difficult for me to tackle, not because I don’t know anyone who is heroic or brave, but because I know so many who are.
Let’s face it – it’s easy (or easier) to be heroic or brave when faced with extraordinary circumstance or adversity. It’s the people who show undaunted courage day after day after day in the little, mundane things that I admire.
Day in. Day out.
Those who get up every morning knowing they have a job to do and doing it whether they feel like it or not. Who do it no matter how distasteful or boring or humdrum it may be, because it should be done. Must be done.
And then do it with good cheer, because they know there’s nothing worse than someone who constantly complains about how much they hate their job.
Those who aren’t afraid to admit they’ve made a mistake, then do what they can to rectify it and make sure they don’t repeat it.
Those who are prepared to defend their choice because they believe it’s right, but are still unafraid to consider another’s perspective and admit, “This is better. We’ll do this instead.”
Those who know that sometimes the best choice isn’t always the easiest or most pleasant choice, and chose it anyway.
Those who aren’t afraid of failure, but even more those that aren’t afraid to let their children fail because they know life doesn’t hand out trophies for participation.
Those who aren’t afraid to extend a helping hand, but realize that sometimes the best help you can give is not to help.
Those who understand there is a time and a place for everything, and that those times and places aren’t always convenient or comfortable.
Those who toil and play, laugh and cry, prosper and fail, love and hate, and live life in all its grandeur and boring routine every day, then get up and do it all over again tomorrow. And do it eagerly, willingly. Those people look a lot like you and me. They are you and me.
Aren’t we grand?
A boy doesn’t have to go to war to be a hero; he can say he doesn’t like pie when he sees there isn’t enough to go around. — Edgar Watson Howe
I like this! Sometimes the extraordinary looks so damn ordinary.
Beth´s last blog ..Blow
It’s a good trick to recognize people doing extraordinary things in mundane circumstances. Happens every day, doesn’t it?
I love this post, Ms. Jan.
Erin´s last blog ..wild child
Amen Sister!
Michele´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Irrefutable Proof of Dorkiness
Jan, this is so well done! My favorite part is: “Those who understand there is a time and a place for everything, and that those times and places aren’t always convenient or comfortable.”
You’ve hit the nail on the proverbial head… several times.
Jane Gaston´s last blog ..Dear So and So…
What a great spin!
I love that Edgar Watson Howe quote.
We really do need to give each other, and ourselves, a “pat on the back” every so often.
Mary Anne´s last blog ..Another Pleasant Valley (Random) Tuesday
This is great. And that quote? Awesome. Gotta remember that one.
Maureen@IslandRoar´s last blog ..Best Blog Award
“Those who aren’t afraid of failure, but even more those that aren’t afraid to let their children fail because they know life doesn’t hand out trophies for participation”- well said.
I can’t agree with this more. My spin will be of a similar ilk…
Mama Badger´s last blog ..Random Tuesday Thoughts- Can you smell that smell?
Jan, your voice is the voice my imaginary hero would have. Pragmatic, convinced, humorous. Thanks.
LPC´s last blog ..A Rowallan Jewelry "Keep"
Whew!! For a minute there I thought you were going to write a post about The Torturer being a hero for putting up with difficult patients. (Ahem!) Scared me for a sec! : )
Twenty Four At Heart´s last blog ..Please Excuse This Interruption …
You are so spot on Jan. I love this…every single bit of it. I love every day ordinary hero’s that you described so well. Bravo! XXOO
Lori´s last blog ..Be The Change
Exactly!!!!
Love the quote! And the post is great a good spin!
Awesome quote! And you’re right. Bravado is not just in the life saving actions, it’s also in the life affirming ones. Ooh! Did I just make that up? You’re linked!
Sprite’s Keeper´s last blog ..The Word of the YEAR is "Castle".
Beautifully said!
Gretchen´s last blog ..Pee No More
It’s posts like this that keep reminding me why I love your blog and your voice. You said wht I would have siad, only better.
Pseudo´s last blog ..Of Heroes, Uncles, and Grandmothers…
Oh how I love this post, Jan! I am humbled in your presence!
Stacy (the Random Cool Chick)´s last blog ..Wordless/Wordful Wednesday – I Dig Dinosaurs
A boy that gives up his piece of pie for me would definitely be a hero in my book. Do you know that boy? LOL I could use a piece of pie today.
Great post Jan. I love the way you look at things.
WOW…this is wonderful! It is also a great reminder of how thankful we all should be for those people. A couple of weeks ago I was outside with Matthew waiting for his bus…and the garbage truck came…it was smelly and dripping with…well who knows what. But the guy gave me a smile and a little wave and went on about his job.
I’m not sure if he loves his job…but he was doing it with pride.
Monica´s last blog ..Shadow’s Guide To Playing Fetch
This is really EXCELLENT and spot on. I couldn’t help wondering if the is the preface to your autobiography.
YOU are my hero!
Awesome, love love love it!!!!
The Stiletto Mom´s last blog ..Prayers For Anissa
….what Pseudo said…..
Ginger´s last blog ..My Grand Dogs