The Heroes Around Us

I generally keep the daily news topics far away from this little space I’ve created on the Internet. So often they are filled with tragedy; sad things that I choose not to dwell on because focusing on them only brings me down and quite frankly scares the living daylights out of me because I begin thinking of all of the “what ifs” and “what could happen” scenarios and when you have children, it’s the worst feeling in the world that instantaneously makes you nauseous and want to cry.

But with that being said, this time I can’t get Roseburg out of my mind. I grew up in Grants Pass which is a little over an hour’s drive from Roseburg. I’ve been in Roseburg many times, have friends that live close and grew up there, and my Dad currently lives 30 minutes from there now.  I refuse to write or dwell on the perpetrator or gun topic issues, because right now is not the time for people to argue and debate such things. I will however, grasp on to any tiny amount of positivity that I can in this grave event that has left many people brokenhearted.

We tend to focus on all of the bad, terrible things in the world. The horrible person who did malicious acts, but for every evil person there is out there  I want you to remember there are far, far more selfless heroes around you.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard the story of Chris Mintz, who is an Army veteran, and how he was shot multiple times as he attempted to block a door and keep others from harm, and, as it turns out, yesterday was also his son’s birthday. Miraculously he survived and will forever be a hero in our minds.

Every day there are heroes around us, though unfortunately they are only often talked about and given notoriety after a large tragedy. But they are there. All of the police officers who have stepped in during a dispute, the firefighters who save us by going into buildings that no one else can; the veterans who keep and have kept our home free; the EMT’s who are the first on the scene to keep you alive; the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who put every ounce of their energy to keep you physically and mentally healthy. Teachers, parents…. the list goes on. Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicity.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word hero as a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities, and I personally want to thank all of the heroes in southern Oregon right now who have done all they possibly can to keep us safe.

I found this paragraph on Chris Mintz’s Facebook page, and wanted to share it with you because I feel that it aligns so much with what I believe. He wrote this on September 20th, just a few short days before this horrific event happened.

“It’s amazing to sit back and reflect on life, decisions made or avoided, places I’ve been and the countless people I’ve met on my journey. While things I’ve wanted have changed through the years, the destination has never changed and it’s a grave. Knowing this has changed so much for me, why waste time wondering when I can enjoy my time experiencing life. Memories are what make life worth living; even the bad ones bring you the ability to love the good ones. But these memories aren’t just for you; they are shared with all those involved, like a movie that y’all created in your hearts. So if you’re lucky you’ll find the stars in your life and make a lifetime of one of a kind memories.”

                                                                                                                              -Chris Mintz

                                                                                                                     September 20th 2015

It really got me thinking. If something happened to me or my family tomorrow, how do I want to be known? What will people see if they search my name? And have I made memories daily? Did I experience as much life possible with my family?

I encourage all of you to find someone whom you define as a hero, and personally thank them today. Tell them how amazing they are and why you look up to them. Let people know how you feel. Don’t always talk about the negative things on social media, but share the amazing things with your friends too.

For everyone who lost a loved one yesterday, you are in my prayers. I cannot even begin to fathom what you are going through at this time. Many heavy hearts are thinking of you right now.