A LITTLE SPICE FROM GINGER : Parents – the Real Heroes
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/hl/Lifestyles/24469/
Columnist’s note: The Siloam Springs Writers’ Group has faithfully, through the years, sponsored a writing contest for kids of all ages. The contest includes both poetry and prose and the subjects have varied. I could spend hours smiling as I roam through my Writer’s Notebook, which has chronicled my childish fumbles at poetry or literature. I have participated in the contest every year and, every year, I’ve appreciated the challenge of an assigned topic. This year’s subject was about heroes. I thought that now, in the window between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, I would share my thoughts with you. Hero. The word conjures up countless images and countless definitions. When the word hero is mentioned, some may think of characters like Superman, Batman, or Spiderman. Others think of soldiers, policemen or firefighters. The definition of a hero is harder to pinpoint. What is a hero ? Is a hero the comic-book character, virtuous and garbed in bright-colored suit ? Is a hero someone who devotes himself or herself to the greater good ? I think the easiest way to define a hero is someone who puts others first. This might seem trite and vague, but in reality eliminates a good deal of the “ heroes” that culture parades before our eyes today. The star athlete is not a hero; he may play for money, or fame, or even for enjoyment, but he does not play because he is self-sacrificing. The philanthropist is not a hero; writing ostentatious checks to miscellaneous charities does not require unselfishness. The movie star is not a hero; her career has been chosen to bring her fame and fortune. While each of these may require sacrifices on a small scale, these sacrifices pale in comparison to the real heroes of America. The biggest sacrifices are the ones that seem the smallest. That’s why my heroes are the moms and dads of America.
Parents are the foundation of culture. Every novel, every television show has them. Sadly, in nearly every context, they are portrayed as normal or even embarrassingly strange. Parents, we are told, are far from heroes. In reality, moms and dads are all heroes of epic proportions. They work harder, make more sacrifices, and love on a grander scale than anyone else.
Moms and dads make it possible for society to function. They do the “ average” things that make America great. They work hard to provide for their families. Many parents have given up their dream careers to better bless their families. Many moms and even some dads have chosen to surrender their job completely to stay home. These simple things — getting up every day to go to work and do the laundry and load the dishwasher — are truly heroic.
Everyone wants to grow up to be a hero. Moms and dads are the ones who have decided instead to put the ones they love before themselves. That is heroism. Parents encourage their children to do well in school. It’s essential to the future of America that the next generation of doctors, senators, yes, and parents, be well-educated.
Being a parent is not always an enjoyable task. When there are diapers to be changed... when a child wants water at 1 a. m.... when the stacks of dirty dishes are rivaled only by the mounds of laundry... the job must seem insurmountable. But it’s the moms and dads who swallow their pride and press on for the sake of others around them. Their lives are defined not by daring deeds or fantastic feats, but by persevering unselfishness.
That’s why American moms and dads are my heroes.