Deb
Reader, Thinker, Writer, Lover.
October 2016
fire

Growing up, the maternal side of my family was evangelical, fundamental Baptist and the paternal side of my family was Roman Catholic. So, to say I have guilt and debt embedded in my DNA is an understatement.

 

My parents, who were very young, were doing their best to protect their daughters from evil: namely, sex, drugs, rock and roll and, you know, the fiery burning pits of hell. I don’t blame them for having our butts in the church seats 4 times a week. Organized religion is a terrifying, responsibility-laden way to bring up children.

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boots

In a moment of frustration, she smiles a winning smile and puts her arms around a teen with Down’s Syndrome.

He cheerfully discusses rodeo days with a 90 year old man with Alzheimer’s.

She shows up every day to teach the kindergarteners in one of the poorest school districts in New Mexico.

He grins and says he can’t believe he gets paid to drive a fire engine.

She rescues and trains donkeys, sacrificing her own personal financial comfort.

He risks his life multiple times a week on the night shift as a cop in the war zone in Albuquerque.

She works on Sundays to help victims of sexual abuse or kids who have lost a parent.

He works countless hours to take care of his extended family’s financial needs.

She believes art heals and and makes you grow and commutes to Wyoming to make sure kids believe the same.

She inspires thousands to get off the couch, pick up a barbell and win at life with her writing.

 

In just 5 minutes, I thought of 10 heroes of whom I have mad respect; heroes who will never get any press because it’s only sexy to report what’s bad, what’s wrong. I could probably think of a hundred more without much effort.

 

Who is your hero? Do they know you think so?