Love and Sacrifice
I think "hero" is an overused term these days, but try as I might, I've been unable to come up up with a better word to describe two of the most important people in my life. When I think of the word hero, I think of brave individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to help those in need, often with little or no regard for their own well being. My mother and father, Betty and Stan Parker, have been faced with challenges over the last few years that would have put most people over the edge. Each have had life changing health issues that have forced significant changes to their lifestyle, daily habits, mobility and the way that they interact with the world around them. Most would never know it.
Mom has handled two total knee replacements, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other challenges thrown her way with incredible poise and a sense of determination that still astounds me. She stays active and involved with her friends and family and is always the first to offer help to someone in need. She has embraced technology and blogging with no fear and has a following of people the love her writing and outlook on life as much as I do. She's also a damn fine fisherman....
Dad has also overcome a multitude of ailments that have been debilitating to lesser men. Rheumatoid arthritis, meniers disease, myethenia gravis, PBC.... None of them got the best of my dad. He still works out multiple times a week and has taken each setback with an attitude that would make a prizefighter envious. He's had to make adjustments, but refuses to give up on things that bring him joy. Dad is no slouch with a fishing pole himself...
Now if all of the above wasn't heroic enough, when my grandmothers health deteriorated to a degree that she would no longer be able to live alone, they didn't hesitate. The opened their home, installed a stair lift, and just kept right on trucking. They, along with my Aunt Sue, became primary caregivers and did so incredibly well. And when her health deteriorated again and she needed 24/7 medical care, they were there every day to make sure that she received the best possible care. My grandmother, Nora Belle Campbell, recently passed and went on to be with my grandfather, Tom. I know they are smiling down with pride and love at their incredible daughters and my dad, who both had a special relationship with...
See what I mean? My parents wouldn't approve of me writing all this, if I had to guess. They are also very humble, private people... Another quality of heroes, by the way.... They do the right thing even when no one is looking and never want recognition... I'm so proud of the two people that raised me. They are incredibly strong, loving people that mean the world to their friends and family. They are my heroes in every sense of the word....
Posted with Blogsy