Heroes!

On rare occasion, there is something on television that not only entertains, but peaks my interest and makes me think. Recently I began watching the 3^rd season of “The Crown” on Netflix. It fictionalizes the life of the current English monarchy beginning with Queen Elizabeth’s father. I guess you would call it fact based fiction.

The most recent episode that I watched concerned the overwhelming interest that Prince Philip had in the astronauts and the moon landing in 1969. He was fascinated with every aspect of the space program. He hero worshiped the astronauts. And when they made their world tour following their return to earth, he was beside himself to meet them. So when they visited the queen, he requested a private audience. The meeting was stilted and awkward. Prince Phillip was looking for deep, spiritual answers and was ultimately disappointed to find that they were only simple men. Their tale concerned the business of the mission and they had no deep insight that they could share with him. Interestingly enough, the astronauts thought royal life was much more fascinating than flying to the moon.

All of this lead me to contemplate how often we do this very thing in our own lives. We see movie stars, sports figures, the ultra rich and think they have everything. But do they? Actors act. We may be more enamored of the character they create than the person they are. Or athletes. They do one thing very well, and because of that we honor them with wisdom and insight they don’t possess. We make them heroes in our minds. But what if we really knew them? Would they be what we expect, or would we, like Prince Phillip, be disappointed that they are just ordinary people.

I remember Christopher Reeve playing Superman. He was the ultimate super hero back in the day. The man of steel with x-ray vision and incredible speed. He could save everyone, stop catastrophes, fly into outer space and still be charming and not bad to look at. When I heard he had fallen from a horse and was a quadriplegic, initially it didn’t register. He was Superman. What the heck?? As it turns out, because of his accident, he became a super man of sorts, just not with a blue suit and alien powers. He became the role model for so many people that found themselves in his situation. He faced his infirmity with courage and grace. And in that, he became a real hero.

Why do we have this need to put people on a pedestal? We do it with the military, politicians, Nobel Prize winners, scientists, medical specialists, or leaders of nations. We expect them to have the answers to all of our problems. And when they don’t, we cut them off at the base. They are just people, just like you and me. They have gifts for certain things, they have individual abilities, they are given knowledge to make decisions, but when it is all said and done, they are just people. Why are we so disappointed? What is it that we are seeking? We seem to have a built in need to worship. But to put our faith in mankind will most likely end badly. No person will ever live up to “God” status.

Those who become true “heroes” are generally those who sacrifice for the betterment of others. They never plan to enter a burning building, or rescue someone from danger, or even make their neighborhood better. It is who they are, real people who care. It is those quiet heroes that deserve our gratitude, honor and appreciation.

So before you become disappointed, or even angry, when people don’t live up to your expectations, remember that every single person on the face of the earth does the same basic things that we do; eat sleep, work, play, dream, live, die. Hopefully we can esteem their abilities such as athletics, sciences or ideas, objectively. You can chose who you admire, but be careful who you worship.

Just Writin’ on the River Road

Panic or what?

I am sorry, but does it feel like the world is going to hell in a hand basket??  A few years ago, we would have acknowledged that there was a new strain of flu and gone on with life as usual.  Some would get sick, a few would die (as is common every year), and most of us would have the common sense to stay home if we were sick.  You didn't go to the doctor or hospital unless you were REALLY sick because you didn't want to be around sick people.  Nobody knew what you had, you just hunkered down until you got over it.

Don't misunderstand me, I think this is a very serious strain of the flu that does seem to target those with compromised immune systems.  But I think our over reaction to it is a little ridiculous (aka toilet paper shortage).  I went to the grocery store three weeks ago. You could hardly get down the aisles for shoppers.  Never in my lifetime have I ever seen empty shelves -- forget fresh produce, or canned and frozen food, not to mention paper products.  There were more people taking pictures of the empty shelves than there were shopping!  Me included!  But what I did not see was one cart full of water or toilet paper!  There may be a handful of people out there hording things, but I believe they are a rarity.

Why not focus on those who offer to watch children for people who must work.  The doctors and nurses who are on the front lines.  Or those who deliver meals or groceries.  What about the fire, utility, police and others who must put themselves out there to take care of us?  Or how about neighbors helping each other and sharing what is needed.  I am so blessed to live in a neighborhood where people watch out for one another.  And even though I am a newbie, they still offer to take care of me.  I don't think this is an unusual thing.  Ninety nine percent of people are good, honest, hardworking, helpful, caring individuals.  So why do we only hear about that one percent who are turkeys? 

There are those out there who think they can be self-sufficient.  Did you know you can't buy a baby chick in this town!  People think they will have their own eggs........in 6 months or so, maybe.  I have a friend who sells milk goats.  They, too, are a hot item.  Milk and cheese are great if you can wait a year or more.  People don't think, they just react.   We are fortunate to live in a rural area.  Farming, animals, and gardens are not foreign to us.  We approach it with a modicum of sense.  And some of us have the ability to take care of ourselves.  We may not have shrimp and lobster but we can have steak and eggs.

I don't worry so much about the actual flu.  I worry about being led around by the nose by the "powers that be".  I did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday - - and neither did you.  This has turned into a political war with name calling and accusations everywhere.  People, get over yourselves!  This is a time to come together, to help, not hurt each other. So unless you have a fool proof plan that will cure all diseases and make EVERYBODY happy, quit your griping and do what you can to make things better.  Or better yet, run for office and see how that goes.

Years ago I read a book by Michael Crichton called A State of Fear.  Although it was fiction, the premise as stuck with me over time.  I see it in our society everywhere.  If the masses can be kept in a "state of fear", then they can be controlled.  Look back over the history of this country.  Currently it is the flu, before that global warming, then terrorism, what about AIDS, before that it was over population, how about the ozone scare, remember the fright of nuclear war- -the list is on going.  Throw in a few wars and 911 and the control is pretty much total.  It is meant to keep you in a state of "high emotion" from which come no good decisions.  I am currently in the middle of a Bible study on the 23rd Psalm.   We are seen as sheep, and boy, do I now understand the need for a Shepherd.  Have you ever watched a herd of sheep react to a scary situation?  I rest my case. . .we are sheep.

Do I have a solution for this?  No.  I plan to be wise in  my decision making.  I will not be fearful.  I am going to remain positive.  I plan to help those who need a hand.  I will pray for our government to act with wisdom.  I will do what I can, and life will return to normal sooner or later.  Then we will wonder what all the hoopla was about.  And it will take about 10 minutes to forget it all!

So keep your chin up, a smile on your face, and an offer to help in your heart.  This, too, will pass.

Just Writin' on the River Road