Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: Ellen E.

My sister Ellen is my hero. We came from a somewhat poor family with three boys and my sister. My father died when we were pretty young. After my father died, my sister took care of my mother and us. She had just gotten married and she would have my mother stay at her house most weekends because she knew she was lonely. When my mother died years later, she took care of her brothers. She always had family gatherings and helped me and my brothers in numerous ways. She taught us how to love and care, never through preaching but always by example. She personally saved my life when I was going through hard times with drugs and living an irresponsible lifestyle. No matter how many times my brothers and I went to her, she was there for us, and believe me, we went a lot.

She has taught third grade for 30 years now and she always treated and spoke of her students as if they were her own children. Many of the children she taught come back to see her regularly because she made such a difference in their lives. The number of people and the lives she has touched can't be measured. She has never looked for rewards and accolades. She understands that life is about caring and loving and she is truly a ray of sunshine in this world.

Story was submitted anonymously