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: Dr Ethelyn S.

My hero would never consider herself as such. Her name is Dr. Ethelyn Smith. She lives in a small town in North Mississippi. Now well past retirement age, she spends her free time fishing local lakes and enjoying raising butterflies by the hundreds in her old home. For many years this lady has helped the poorest people get medical care, charging only $2.00 for an office visit. A General Practitioner, she has set broken bones, looked at countless runny noses , and delivered numerous babies. She is a third generation doctor, using the same antiquated microscope that belonged to her father. Her office had hundreds of pictures of her patients, taped all over the file cabinets, windows, etc. whom she treated like family. In the 1950's, she quietly arranged for advanced care for those who could not afford it, defying racial taboos of the times. Being a modest person, I'm sure there are hundreds of instances where she has assisted people, and no one knew about it except God. Her's has been a life of service to others, regardless of race, creed or income. She made it possible for people to receive health care with compassion and dignity. My family and I were some of her patients, and we will always be grateful for the excellent care we received from her.

Submitted by Deb Matthews