Small Heroes

 We are used to hearing about Heroes: first responders who rush into burning buildings or to an accident or more recently who don haz-mat suits and nurse folks with COVID or fly over huge fires doing their best to bring them under control.They are heroes indeed and we should be grateful for them everyday.

Today I want to remind you of other heroes, heroes with a small “h” who have probably never heard themselves referred to in that way. They are out there, day in and day out, and especially during these massive fires that are burning in the west. Our family has been directly touched by the Alameda fire that practically destroyed the towns of Talent and Phoenix, Oregon. And so I give you my list of small heroes.

Daughter Michelle who gathered her family and a cat and drove them to safety ~ a 3 1/2 hour convoluted drive that normally takes her 20 minutes. 

Grandson Akira’s friend who said, “we have a guest house. You can stay there tonight.”

The hotel who gave them the lower weekly rate and the school’s union who gave $200 toward that hotel bill and a $200 gift certificate to Fred Myers. 

The friend who, when Michelle’s battery went out, drove back to Medford to pick up Marc from the airport. He had been being a terrific dad and helping his son move to Des Moines. 

Whoever drove Michelle and family to the evacuation donation center where they were able to get a few extra clothes and some food supplies.

Everyone working the evacuation donation center and Harry & David, the food company, who donated some of their wonderful pears. 

One of Trinity’s teachers from middle school who has given them her studio apartment for the duration. Although Michelle’s apartment is still standing, there is no electricity and no water and until those are restored no one returns to Talent.

A God-mother and a cousin both of whom have sent money to help with expenses. 

Marc, who even as I write, is in line waiting to be escorted back into Talent where he will have five minutes to gather whatever necessities were left behind. And the people who organized this escort service so people can return briefly. 

You’ve heard it before and it is so true: heroes do not always wear capes and angels do not always have wings. Prayers of blessings and gratitude for all of these small heroes who are pitching in to help where they can in the midst of a fiery crisis.