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: Melanie

Melanie... the REAL American Dream

This story is dedicated to my awesome little sister Melanie! (aka Herbie. That’s what I call her)

Melanie is the kindest, sweetest, gentlest, person I know and has a heart the size of Texas. I was about 10 years old when Melanie was born. My Dad came home from the Hospital and told us kids that we had a new baby sister and that she was extra special because she was born with Downs Syndrome. I have to admit that I didn’t fully understand what that meant and I certainly had no idea what an amazing blessing she would be in my life.

Today, like most Fridays, I drove 30 miles south to pick up Melanie and go visit our Mother who resides at an Alzheimer’s care facility in my home town. Mom is in a wonderful facility filled with about 20 of the sweetest little old ladies on earth. Entering this care facility with Melanie is like walking into a Jr. High School with Miley Cyrus. These sweet women can barley remember the last sentence they uttered but every one of them remembers Melanie! They each shout her name and give her a hug as we work our way in to see our mother.

The greatest thing about Melanie is that she never has a bad day, NEVER! Her sweet, sweet spirit and her amazingly simple and content outlook on life make her a joy to be around.

Melanie is my greatest example of living the American Dream. She makes the most out of every single day, she has lived the full measure of her potential, she literally loves everyone, and she is so grateful for what she does have that she never gives a second thought to what she doesn’t have.

I LOVE YOU HERBIE!

Until tomorrow… Be Happy!

Submitted by Rick P.