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: Luella H.

My mom, Luella H., who at 86 years young is today, the President of the local seniors' organization and family matriarch. She loved learning and was my foremost teacher. She gave birth to 12 children in 16 years! She is a farmer's wife and a church activist, yet still acquired her GED at 69. Her family tradition was that the 'girls' went to school through 9th grade (the 'boys' graduated from high school). The 'girls' went to work at 15 because they would marry husbands who would take care of them. Mom taught us the value of hard work—often saying 'Bloom where you are planted!' 'Be observant of the world around you—make it better.' 'Share your time and talent.' 'Learn from others.'

Thankfully, mom is still with us, blooming in her own activities and modeling for four generations the value of an honest day's work, deep faith, commitment and love of family and friends. Thanks, mom!

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