EVERYBODY WANTS A HERO

EVERYONE WANTS A HERO, but how many are willing to do what it takes to be that? Whether that be in a single family or an expansive community, a hero has to be somewhat of a leader. From the family father... dad who takes his wife and children on outings on weekends or after work to the mom who follows that track and field, soccer or basketball practice schedule ritualistically being there for their little one. The drive is to assure their child has as much or more than they were ever capable of acquiring or accomplishing They don't want to be that parent that falls short emotionally or financially. They want to provide what can be... without lesser option. The grandparents signing on the become guardian of grandchildren left behind mother or father doing a military duty takes pride in providing that intermediary monitor, but for the amount of time it takes for reality to sink in. They have signed away what very well could be their golden years to relive the trying times of life... for their child. There will be no traveling to distant shores with grandchildren in school while the principal or teacher calls out for help. "He's done it again," is the call out from school for every child at least once; if only to conference on classroom or chosen course expectations. Track meets are hard to keep up with, on schedule and with desires to show family interest, but for a child's. Or readying for the prom... will they attend and stay out how late? ...mom or dad are not around. Everyone wants a hero.

Back in the '60's a hero was the milkman bringing glass bottled milk from his processing plant on the other side of the hill. He was the mayor and a grandfather keeping tight reign on his own while being the spokes piece for a population of well over 11,000. Mayor Sparger, himself, often came out to visit and take comments on his own for quality rating on his milk business. He learned most family elders names by heart and had affiliation with the local public schools for more cause than settling the mild delivery quotas. Around long after my grandparents were gone, he brought about this photo and remarked his admiration once again for the elderly couple who raised home and family from their own abode. They provided a springboard for five family units. Hosted two out to marriage and military... Army and Air Force. They supported grandchildren in three clutches of one to five and saw each parental clutch and their children into homes of their own choosing. They worked as certified Christian Reverend and certified Missionary wife, within the community setting ground for church clergy and fed community locals who fell down on luck, health and their own family center. On rare occasion if a neighbor were down in health, assistance was given to brush up their home. Meals were cooked and sold as fundraising efforts for distribution from the church and funds were collected for charity organizations and for the church of Reverend Billy Graham as did so many common folk and nobles. Easter Seal Charity, Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy were collected for and donated to on an annual basis. They refused to join the likes of Rotary, United Way and American Legion because of the self glorification required.

Well into his mid 80's he presented mall shoppers with heads up sermon from a podium presented him daily by mall management. It seemed to lull would be riff raff in distraction which normally turned to conversation and an invitation to any number of Christian churches started from his efforts. His own preference and background being A.M.E. among high numbers of Baptist and Catholic church bodies. He died of heart attack stemming from a vehicle accident where he was pushed off lane by a larger vehicle while driving his wife to work. His wife suffered a slight head injury when she was hurled into the windshield during that event, but both continued rendering community service at least six more years... with limitation. They took or he surrendered his drivers license and both succumbed to public transportation to continue their efforts through 1985.

Everyone wants a hero, but can you stand to be that? Can you take a stand?