HERO

April 2, 2022

Hero. Yesterday, I was on my first solo walk in the last 5 months. I walked in my new neighborhood because my therapist said I was a 7 out of a possible 10 in my ability to get around. She knew I would be able to be alone, with my four-wheel walker, my phone and my Life Alert button. I could walk once a day for one half mile. That was all for now. I was grateful and I was ready. Yesterday I opened the front door and walked out into the sunshine. Wow. What a feeling. As I was walking on a street, I had walked down before, there was a sign on the lawn saying, “Hero lives here.” No name no explanation, just the words, “Hero lives here.” I was wondering who of us could say they have a hero living in their home? It was like in the day when yellow ribbons on trees decorated some neighborhoods now and again. The song about yellow ribbons was written about a man getting out of prison. The man wanted to know if he would be welcomed back to his old life so many years later. So, the song said, “… Tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree…” It became a symbol for soldiers coming back from the war in Viet Nam. Yellow ribbons kept on showing up. Then one day they were gone, perhaps when the war had ended. Coming back to yesterday, I wonder how many heroes live in my home. In my opinion, if you count the heads, you will know that everyone in this home is my hero. I am not totally sure about the dog. I have learned to have great affection for her, but I am not sure I would put her into the category of being a hero. Everyone here has made life better for everyone else here. Is that being a hero? My mother always said, “You cannot be a hero in your own house”. My mother was always right, but in this instance, I believe she was wrong. Appreciation and gratitude create heroes. When someone feels like a hero, he has confidence and is able to recognize and utilize his God given talents. Look at the people in your life as though you are seeing them for the first time. Look at them and see what you have for so long been taking for granted. Look at them and appreciate all the things that are unique unto each of them. Realize on a daily basis how much joy and happiness the people you love add to your life. Wow. Isn’t love grand. Your life is a gift. Create heroes and you will create greatness. Create heroes and you will be in a happy place. I met the mailman yesterday. We both said hi wishing each other well. and then continued on our own paths. As I was returning toward home, I saw the mailman again. I stopped him and asked him his name. He said his name was Angel. I told him mine. Now we each have an identity. He is now more than the mailman, and I am more than an address. He is now Angel. He is now with a name. He makes it better for each of those on his route day in and day out. Angel is more than a mailman…he is a hero. See how many heroes you can find today who decorate your life. Be happy. Have a great day.

Granny-o