Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Friday, December 21, 2012

Heroes


The school massacre in Newtown Connecticut was one week ago today.
The stories are everywhere.
Horrific tales of terror, panic and death.
And the agony that followed.
But out of those stories have risen tales of heroism and bravery unequalled anywhere in history.
The principal and school psychologist who lost their lives as they rushed toward danger when the first shots were heard.
The teachers who hid children in closets and cupboards and bathrooms and then kept them absolutely quiet and safe as terror stalked past.
And those who used their last shield, themselves, in a desperate and futile bid to save the lives of the little children in their care.
They are true heroes.
In every sense of the word.
And I weep for them and their sacrifice.
It has gotten me thinking of the heroes in my life.
The men and women who have appeared, sometimes fleetingly, and had a profound and lasting influence.
My Mom, who taught me responsibility, caring for others and to always, always be kind.
My Dad, who taught me the value of integrity, hard work and a sense of humour.
My eldest brother who taught me generosity.
My next older brother, who taught me the joy of friendship.
My oldest sister, who showed me true patience.
My youngest sister, who is a constant example of focused energy and unfettered joy.
My youngest brother, who showed me that one must never quit. That by keeping on, great things are accomplished.
There were others.
Teachers who spent their entire lives . . . teaching.
Store owners who cared.
Neighbours who watched out for.
People who appeared only briefly and taught me wonderful, important things.
None of them have had to make the ultimate sacrifice in my behalf.
None of them will ever appear in a newspaper or on TV as a description of their heroism is proclaimed aloud.
But still they are heroes.
And they need recognition.
So to those whose actions are so justifiably blazoned across news headlines and TV spots.
And those whose contribution is not as noticeable or dramatic.
I am offering a prayer of gratitude today.
Thank you.
All of you.

7 comments:

  1. Thank you Diane for expressing so elequently what we all feel. Our love and gratitude to everyone, everywhere who positively influence others,not realizing what an impact they've had. June

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautifully expressed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You know today a kind act is rare so people are given praise.
    In my time it was a normal thing to help old people, to be kind and generous, polite helpful.
    You never took money for an act of kindness. Young people were generous with their time and a lot more mature than what is being raised to day who only think about themselves.Today by the time an old person comes to sit on a chair on the bus, a young one goes around him quickly and takes it. Clearly kids are not taught manners.Un heard of in our time and if you tell him something he says f off and get off the bus. Stay home if you can't stand.
    You never heard of a young person taking a gun and shooting parents for a few dollars like you hear today.or club them over the head with a bat.

    I don't know where it is headed today but what I do know was the world was a better place when God was in the picture.

    ReplyDelete
  4. hi, Diane, I found you! even without Emily's help! (yet). I am enjoying your stories...I was born in Claresholm of course - and our retirement is soon to come, we hope - to southern Alberta, just by the border! Can't wait for "warmer" weather down there....Keep up the good work, Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Diane, glad I found you here! (I just asked Emily on FB but also googled...and here you were!) I am enjoying your stories and the many pictures as well...I see you have been busy! I'm so glad I got to know your mom (mostly - also your dad some) when they lived in central Alberta...your stories make me look forward to our retirement (hopefully soon), planned for southern Alberta, just across the border from the US....Keep up the good work! Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A handful of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?
    Review my web page ; Hesperia Victorville

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are so right. What a wonderful tribute to those who were heros in CT and those who have been heros in your life. We are really blessed despite the evil in this world, aren't we? As always, I leave your place refreshed and inspired . . . Smiles -

    ReplyDelete

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