The Definition of the Word Hero

Guest Contributor: Heather Wilkerson

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The definition of the word hero is; a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. They aren’t just war veterans or fictional characters. Heroes come in many different shapes, sizes, ethnicity, sex, and economic classes. One of my heroes was 4’9ish, had a high school education, and my husband called her grandma.

 

Eleanor and Myself

Eleanor was a strong and spunky Spanish lady whom I admired and loved for so many reasons. First, was her love for her family. She loved her family like no other. She was the epitome of unconditional love. Her family knew that she loved them no matter what. Even if she didn’t necessarily agree with something that someone was doing, she loved them anyway and made sure that they knew this.

I also admired her steadfast faith. She prayed every day for everyone around her as well as others she didn’t personally know. She worshiped at church every week. She didn’t only talk the talk; she modeled her faith in her everyday life. Throughout the ups and downs of life, she never wavered in her faith. One of the last things that she told me was not to worry because she was going to be with God.

Her love language was cooking and boy was she good at it. Some of her family’s favorites, myself included, were her green chili, chocolate dessert, and carrot cake. But honestly the list could go on and on. Nobody ever left her home hungry and she made sure of that.

Eleanor was a kind and loving woman with a heart of gold who would do anything for anyone. If she had it and you needed it, she wouldn’t hesitate to give it to you. If I become even 1/3 of the woman that she was, I would be happy.

An Eleanor Quote

If you are fortunate to have a hero in your life, soak up every ounce of wisdom that they offer and make sure they know how much they are loved and appreciated. Also, always strive to show your best self because you never know who is watching, YOU might be the hero in someone else’s life.