The other night, I finished reading Barack Obama’s new book called A Promised Land (Crown, 2020). It was very in-depth and fascinating in many parts. I was particularly moved by the section about the loss of his grandmother who he called Toot. As he wrote:
“She was one of those quiet heroes that we have all across America…. They’re not famous. Their names aren’t in the newspapers. But each and every day they work hard. They look after their families. They sacrifice for their children and their grandchildren. They aren’t seeking the limelight - all they try to do is just do the right thing…. there are a lot of quiet heroes like that - mothers and fathers, grandparents, who have worked hard and sacrificed all their lives. And the satisfaction that they get is seeing that their children and maybe their grandchildren or their great-grandchildren live a better life than they did.”
These comments really spoke to me given all we have experienced this year. I believe that there are so many “quiet heroes” out there right now in society who are showing up, paying attention and making things happen in big and small ways that are not never fully noticed or appreciated.
In particular, I think of the hospital nurses and doctors who come to work every day, listen carefully and show compassion in the middle of this global pandemic. I think of the people who survived the massive forest fires out west and are now rebuilding their homes, businesses and communities in spite of such devastating losses. I think of the teachers and aides who are teaching and tutoring a wide diversity of struggling young students who are trying to figure out how to learn on-line. I think of the nurses and nurse aides in assisted living and long term care facilities who show kindness and attention while maintaining very detailed new protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy.
The list of quiet heroes is long and extensive. They are making big and small differences in the lives of so many of us. It is time we paused and thanked them for the gift of their hard work, sacrifice, and commitment. They are role models for doing the right thing no matter the challenges.
We can and we will move forward together through this most unique time. Honoring our quiet heroes is an important next step in the journey.
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