Thank you, Unsung, Unknown Heroes

" . . . that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."  Alma 34:38

Most of us will never have a statue put up for the world to remember us, but sometimes just because people erect a monument in someones memory isn't proof that person did the greatest thing(s) . . . (by some measures, maybe Constantine wasn't so great.  Was he "great" in the things that really matter?)

Our Thanksgiving was so very nice.  Having a bunch of family there, after not getting together for these past few years, was something to cause us to reflect on the blessings of being with those who love us and care about our welfare.  Thanksgiving  is a day where we take a moment to concentrate for what is most important in life--food.  NO, just kidding.  Well, we couldn't live without food, but we probably wouldn't want to live if we didn't have family and friends who enrich our lives.

There was an excellent letter on gratitude sent to Dear Abby that I wanted to share here.

"Dear Abby:  A while back you asked your readers to name their heroes.  May I contribute?   

     My heroes are nameless, often faceless and in most cases unsung.  They will never have 15 minutes of fame.  Their deeds won't be recorded in history books, but their kindness inspires and their good deeds will forever affect the lives of others--through some may not realize it.

     My heroes are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, foster parents, teachers, playground monitors and crossing guards who teach others to have values and common sense, and to be ethical in their treatment of others. 

     My heroes are young girls who spend a year grooming and conditioning their hair, then cut it off so it may be given to a child who has none; those who pick up trash along the highways and byways to keep America clean; police officers who stop you because you've done something stupid, then let you go because they know you made an honest mistake and you'll be sure not to do it again.

     My heroes are the guys on the garbage truck who take a few extra seconds to pick up the items that didn't make it into the truck and make sure your receptacle is upright and undamaged before moving on to the next house; grownups who hold children's hands in parking lots to keep them safe; teachers who stay after school to help a student struggling with homework, a troubled home life or homelessness.

     My heroes are strangers on streets and in buildings who take a moment to ask if they can help you because of the uncertain expression on your face; every shelter worker who has ever cried when a homeless or abused creature was euthanized; my dear father, whose strong hands, often bruised and bloodied, made a living for his family, who gently held his frightened little girl and who often shared more than he could afford with others less fortunate than he.  These are my heroes."

     -Julie in Scott City, Mo.

Yes, all the unsung heroes of everyday life are truly the ones who make the world a better place.

My heroes are all those who keep going despite the odds against them or the bad luck that befalls them; those who suffered abuse at the hands of others but rise above it and go on to serve, give, help, and maintain a positive outlook; those who pick up litter whenever they happen to be and never litter themselves; those who return items they find to a lost and found, go back to the store when they've been undercharged, share a loaf of bread, a cookie, a note, a card, a phone call--anything with someone else, and give in any way to the less fortunate, or pray silently for the welfare of others and the world.  

Yes, the list can go on and on.  There are so many heroes in our own families, in our neighborhood, and in the world.  There is no end to the generous, kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and secret deeds (that no one ever knows) that are done by countless individuals.

Think of the many people who use their talents by building, painting, sewing, or using whatever skills and talents they have to make things beautiful for others to enjoy.  Below are pictures of work done in the York Minister in England.  So many years of dedicated work went into the building.  Then, you see the candles burning inside the minster and realize that all over the world there are many other candles burning for loved ones and prayers are being said for others.