A Tribute to a Real Hero

A hero, as defined by dictionary.com, is a man (or woman :) of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his (or her) brave deeds and noble qualities. When we think of heroes, we tend to think of athletes, firemen, doctors, or other notable professions. Or, if you are a three-year-old-girl, you may think of Princesses, such as Cinderella or Belle as 'heroes' (although hardly heroes, they are more like helpless damsels in distress, but these are the things that my 3-year-old aspires to at this point in her life :) We sometimes overlook the everyday heroes, the people in our life who mean the most to us who, as the definition of heroes describes, display 'distinguished courage' and 'noble qualities.' When asked who my hero is, I without hesitation will tell you that my hero is my darling mother-in-law, Sharon. In the almost 7 years (wow, time flies!) that I have known her, I have grown more and more convinced that I could only hope to pattern my life after hers. I have never met anyone with more love, compassion, and concern for every person that they come in contact with. The only word to truly describe it is charity, the pure love of Christ. Through watching her, I have learned just what that really means. She is a wonderful mother, and of course by her fruits this is evident. All four of her children (Matt included, most days :) are wonderful, sweet tributes to her life and love. She is a devoted grandmother to her 10 grandchildren, she has rarely missed a soccer game, football game, school play, or ballet recital. She has such a fun spirit, and a love for life - she even volunteers to ride the teacups with the grandkids EVERY Disneyland trip (since mom and dad can't handle the spinning :), how many grandma's would do that? She also maintains a talent that is almost lost to this world of modern conveniences, she writes letters. I have a shoebox full of cute cards and letters that I have received from Sharon over the years. Letters of thanks, letters of love, and sometimes just a cute little note in the mail to say 'have a good day.' We tease her that she is keeping Hallmark in business; you see I am not the only one blessed by her dedicated letter-writing. She religiously sent Matt letters every week (or more) on his mission, her neighbors, my high-school best friend (and her parents), and my aunt (whom she has only met once or twice) have all received letters from this sweet woman. She and Frank served a mission in 2005-06, and since have received wedding invites, visits, cards, phone-calls, and letters from so many of the missionaries who loved them so much. She truly goes beyond the mark to make everyone around her feel loved and important. She welcomed me into their family from the first moment I entered their home (when Matt and I were very first dating). She loved and accepted me and made me feel like her own daughter, loving and accepting me for who I am (all of my quirks included :). She is the one I call when I need a pick-me-up, and of course we find every excuse to visit them (how many people can say that of their in-laws? :) In September of 2007 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. For me this came as a reality check, that this angel of a woman was subject to the challenges of mortality. Through it all, she was such a brave example to our family. Although she was sick and couldn't attend some of the grandchildren's events, she was always sure to call (no matter how she felt), and ask how everyone ELSE was doing, without concern for herself. A true measure of her wonderful life is evident in the cards, letters, flowers, phone-calls, and visitors that came pouring in as word spread of her illness. Anytime we would visit her in her home, the phone rang continually and at least 3 or 4 visitors came by to express love and concern - almost to the point where the poor woman couldn't get any rest! With the love and support of her family and friends, as well as her strong fighting spirit, she was able to fight through the chemo treatments. She is now regaining energy daily, and is of course back to her dedicated work of serving others. I have never been good with words (I can write MUCH better than I can speak), but I wanted her to know just how much I love her and how thankful I am for her. I feel so blessed that my children have such a hero to look up to, and to aspire to emulate. Here's to a wonderful mother, loving grandmother, inspired friend, cancer survivor, and a real true hero. We are so grateful to have her in our lives as a wonderful example of strength, faith, and true charity. We love you Sharon! Happy Birthday!