Two Fridays ago, I jumped in my car headed to Chagrin Falls to see Jessica, Pat, Henry and Charlie. A couple of days later, I pointed my car toward Stowe, VT to spend the week with my family and their families. All totaled, the more than 1,000 miles of driving provided quite a bit of time to reflect on the many heroes in my life - the people who consistently put others ahead of themselves.

Henry doesn't know that he's a hero; he's not aware that his bravery, courage, and resiliency in the face of all that he's dealing with is helping science and the leukemia warriors that follow him.  There have been days and moments when he responds like a typical three and a half year old.  Most days, however, he accepts the challenges of hospital visits, needle pokes, and chemo side effects like the hero that he is.  #BigHappyAdventure

Most know all too well the challenges and triumphs of raising two Young boys while working two full-time jobs, maintaining a house, and balancing the typical demands of life.  Add to all that one of your young boys being treated for leukemia, and you have the recipe for potentially soul-crushing challenges.  Early on, Jess and Pat decided to confront the challenge head-on! They knew that getting through the marathon treatment would require determination, resiliency and strength, humor, and reliance on one another.  Have there been moments?  Moment of discouragement?  Moments of frustration?  Of faltering?  Sure, but six and a half months in, they have risen to the challenges of Henry's battle with help from Charlie - whose impish behavior and humor is coupled with a great desire to help around the house. 

Seven or eight years ago, Tim and SueAnn received a phone call from SueAnn's brother.  The call was about a particularly challenging situation a Young Woman and her small daughter found themselves in. Within a short time, the young woman and child were on a bus to Waterloo.  Having never met the young woman or child, Tim and SueAnn made the decision to welcome them into their home.  Even now, many years later, I marvel at the selflessness they displayed and display to this day!  The young child has become an important part of our family.  She loves "Mema and Papa" (SueAnn and Tim) and why not?  Their support, encouragement, and sacrifice have shaped and molded her into wonderful, curious, engaging young lady!  

Kathy spent many years as a special education teacher which, in and of itself, is enough to qualify as a hero.  Periodically, she will hear from one of her students who are tell he what an impact she had on their life.  You would think that would be enough, but now retired, Kath is the executive director of the Seneca County Literacy Volunteers and is teaching in the Finger Lakes Community College Adult Basic Education program.  Always the cheerleader for the underdog and less fortunate, her daily commitment to helping others is nothing short of heroic.

After dinner one night in Vermont, I listened to Bill as the conversation turned to many subjects: his time in the Navy, the decision to buy the classic hardware store in Waterloo, his time on the Waterloo Historical Society Board, and his time as the President of the Waterloo Library. Connecting all of that to his love of antique collecting, I realized that his core values include preserving the valuable lessons of history and a commitment to serve - whether it's his country or his community; values that qualify him as a hero.

Moms are heroes almost as a matter of course.  Ours, however, continues to be heroic by virtue of her service to others.  For many years, she was the director of the RSVP program in Chemung County. Now called the Chemung Volunteer Action Corp, the organization works to provide senior with meaningful work by utilizing seniors as community problem-solvers.  She continues to serve on a number of community boards.  Ever independent, she's forged ahead since Dad passed away selling their home of 30+ years, overseeing the renovation of a patio home in Bethany Village, and settling into a new chapter of her life with courage, humor, and optimism.   

Needless to say, I am very thankful for the hero that shares my life.  I vividly remember the my reaction the first time I read her online dating profile.  As I read through the story of losing her husband at a young age and caring for three growing, active children, I recall thinking how brave and courageous she was to say she was "ready for a new normal."  Her deep devotion to her kids was evident, but she was ready to share her life with someone new.  Fortunately, she found room in her heart for me, and has been a steady presence in my life as I dealt with my own cancer battle.  Her care, compassion, and humor provides a rock for her kids and for me.