Sometimes, heroes can be someone who doesn’t rush forward into the public’s notice… someone who’s actions aren’t “big” enough to gain applause… or gratitude from others.
Sometimes… a hero’s only photo might not be front page of the newspaper..
…but rather…
… in the background of someone’s selfie…
Anyone who knows me… knows that my life’s work is helping kids. Encouraging them to be their best selves…. helping them to enjoy life… volunteering any way that I can…
Anyone who knows me… also knows that I haven’t been able to work consistently. With my son’s mood disorders, I have always needed to be available to be his support.. and his chauffeur.
Being available? It doesn’t exactly line up with being employable..
(Some of you just argued that I’m an author.. And I agree that it’s a noble and rewarding career. But there is a reason it’s called “starving artist”.. lol)
But the last few months I have had to slow down. Slowed down volunteering. Slowed down all activities…
In these slow times… I am noticing a different kind of hero.
Heroes that hang around in the background.
Heroes that don’t bring attention to themselves… that don’t post what they are doing on social media (shocking I know)…
… heroes that no one even realizes are there.
Lately, I have been seeing these heroes in the most unlikely of places.
But my favorite?
My favorite unnoticed hero is often found in the background of our family selfies. (Often with a reluctant smile on his face..)
This man has supported every club that I have started…
.. he has agreed to every scheme I come up with…
… he welcomed every extra blessing that I have brought home to live with us…
… always adjusting the budget to fit whatever way I feel our family needs …
Supporting my week long “editing marathons”…
..not grumbling (too much) when the kids’ Netflix marathon days affect his ability to work..
… dealing with our artistic “messes” …
… our cooking experiences .. (and disasters)…
… adapting to our gluten free.. dairy free.. yeast free… egg free… food restrictions… and ALL the added expense that comes with it… without batting an eye…
As a mom… I get told that I’m doing a good job all the time. As a volunteer… I get told “thanks”.
But my husband… he stands behind me .. handing me the tools I need… mentally and financially… but he doesn’t always get noticed back there…
He may not get noticed by others… but I see him.
.. and I know that I wouldn’t be able to “be Julie” without his unnoticed support behind me…
… and I don’t celebrate him enough…
So this year… while we are slowed down for a novel virus?
I’m going to be thankful for my heroes..
Jules Nelson 