Monday, November 07, 2011
In the face of adversity, everyday heroes come through
But in these increasingly stressful times, we should consider reflecting on our everyday heroes as well.
Christopher Reeve described a hero as “an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
As a community health nurse, I see healthcare heroes every day.
But I have also witnessed the behaviors and actions of numerous people I would classify as behind-the-scenes “heroes.” They have no fame, notoriety or recognition for their tireless efforts on behalf of others.
Look around eastern Connecticut. Perhaps you know ordinary individuals who quietly live their lives in the spirit of a hero described by Reeve.
In our own community, a woman cares for her husband who became paraplegic due to an auto accident. She bathes, feeds, dresses, and toilets him day after day, and manages to work full time to support them. Yet she always has a cheerful smile or a hug for anyone who needs it.
A young newlywed couple canceled their honeymoon plans to become instant foster parents to an infant who was born to a heroin-addicted mother. The foster father completed his military service and they soon became foster parents to another toddler. Both babies had to undergo months of withdrawal symptoms and still have resulting ongoing developmental delays. They are happy, well-adjusted children, due to the tireless efforts of these “ordinary heroes.”
A 24-year-old woman gave up her job to care for her terminally ill father, a Gulf War Veteran. Hospice provided support, but the daughter took on the tremendous responsibility for feeding, repositioning, bathing, and delivering his pain medications as his cancer progressed.
A couple with twins, both of whom are autistic, spend countless hours providing therapy for their children. Yet they manage to find time to work tirelessly for the Autism Speaks organization, advocating and fundraising for other families facing the immense challenges of raising autistic children.
These are just a few examples of “everyday heroes.” They are quietly walking among us, with little awareness of how they are admired as they make the world a better place.
Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator at the The William W. Backus Hospital Education Department. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
