“No, a hero is someone who helps someone they’ve never met.” -Mishell Caligiuri
This was my Mom’s answer to the question “Do you think of yourself as a hero?” Even if she doesn’t, I know I do. A hero is a tricky topic to wrap your head around. There are many things that play into someone being called a hero, and usually people believe that you have to overcome an amazing feat while also fighting for the good of humanity. My mother is an exception to the criteria, but no less of a hero. She is an inspiration to me in many ways. She always demonstrates a positive attitude and is dedicated to making people laugh more than they breathe. She is always the first person to jump in and help me when I am in need and sacrifices tons just for her family to have a good day. Everyone has gone through trials that have made them stronger, and my mom is definitely no different. After her best friend Khristy was diagnosed with stage four esophageal and stomach cancer, she dedicated her time everyday to helping her and thinking of ways to cheer her up. Even though my mom doesn’t necessarily contribute to society by doing community service or feeding the homeless, but she is dedicated to fighting for good and will stand up for causes she believe in.
A BRIEF SUMMARY CELEBRATING MY MOTHER’S HEROISM:
So, by now you are probably wondering: “who is this lady and why is she a hero?” Allow me to tell you. Remember how I mentioned her best friend with cancer? Well her and my mom have been best friends for THIRTY YEARS. Can you imagine spending time with the same person over the course of THIRTY YEARS? Can you imagine someone you’ve known for thirty years being diagnosed with stage four terminal stomach and esophageal cancer?
As soon as my mother got the phone call, she immediately jumped into action and began helping. Since it is hard for her friend to eat, she made a billion smoothies and soups from scratch that would be easy for her to swallow. She brought over a heaping pile of magazines so Khristy could find a snazzy new short haircut. She helps clean her house and is always there to keep her company. She’s Khristy's chemo buddy and helps her in conditions unimaginable. She bought her a puzzle with hot air balloons because Khristy has always wanted to take a trip in one. She designed a tree to go on her wall where they put pictures and memories on the branches. She took Khristy to the hospital when the doctors sent her home for a while, because my mom knew she’d be better off in a place where there was intensive care. It turns out my mom was right, and Khristy did a lot better in the hospital than she ever would have at home.
“A DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED.”
-Charlie Chaplin
A hero is someone that inspires you. My mother inspires me every day. She has taught me that one of the most important things in life is to have a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. She thinks life is so much better if you are able to laugh at yourself, and it’s just a bonus if you can make others laugh with you. I have never seen my mom complain about helping Khristy, I have only seen her think of more ways she could. My mom has always put the ones she loves before herself. When I asked her if she thought of herself as a hero, she replied “No, a hero is someone who helps someone they’ve never met.” When I asked her why, she just said that described that it’s really cool to be able to sacrifice stuff for people you don’t know. She has shown me that everyone is created equal and you should accept all people. Since the day I was born, she has told me to be nice to everyone because you never know what they are going through. I am grateful for my mom and for everything she has done to help me. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without her.
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