A Reason to Celebrate

"You don't need a cape to be a hero. You just need to care."--unknown

I wish that I could say that I was this high-strung, energetic extrovert that people swarmed to like honey, but that's simply not true. I'm not the life of the party! You won't catch me at the center of attention. I'd rather play the invisible wall flower.

For many years, my heart had remained safely tucked away in the rural, secluded nest of my biological family tree.

No outside contact, communication, or communion.

Well, until God decided that I was well overdue to test my agoraphobic wings.

Venturing outside the branches of familiarity, took tons of courage, a brave heart, and a leap of faith. I had no idea what was waiting on the other side of my obedience when those Jericho walls collapsed.

What I encountered through the unexpected journey was a model of 64 years of relationship, unconditional love, commitment, teamwork, endurance, resiliency, courage, honor, longevity, and covenant on display.

Who would have known that a year and a half of Tractor Supply runs, doctor's appointments, and Monday Bingo at the Senior Center would became a hallmark of restoration?

Who would have known that initial hesitation could bring about such joy, happiness, and fulfillment?

Who would have known the love awakened by hearing heartfelt, family stories being repeated about the kids' memories?

Who would have known that I would have the honor to sit at a table to celebrate a life that became one of the reasons that I have to smile daily?

A man that helped me find my voice buried beneath so much pain.
A man that welcomed me into his home, his life, and his family.
A man that shared his wife, his wisdom, and his faith.

Some people show up on the front doorstep to drain, pull and take.
Then, there are others who are the givers of life, wells of unspeakable joy,
and then, "everyday" becomes a reason to celebrate their contribution to your well-being.

When I felt displaced by the abrupt storms, this man offered his umbrella of hope for a better tomorrow and a safe place to land without judgment, criticism, or ridicule. This man helped nurture the broken pieces of an emotionally, scarred, attention-deprived mosaic back to life again.

Happy Birthday to A Real Hero

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