Dear AdNet Employees, Clients and Friends;
Over the past 2 months I spent time reading about inspirational people who defied the odds because of sheer determination and passion for a cause. My hero is Amelia Earhart who pushed back on the status quo and proved that women are skilled pilots like men. Though her life ended way too soon, she left behind a legacy of courage. Remember the show Biography with Mike Wallace in the 1970’s? My mom never worried about where I was because when Biography came on WPIX in NJ/NY, I was glued to the TV set learning about leaders and pioneers. I loved it!! Reading books about Amelia began my curiosity about taking risks and pushing back when I was told “girls are seen and not heard” or “girls don’t do that”. My retort was “why not”?
This leads me to my topic of heroes. We need to pay closer attention to more people in the world who do things for the betterment of humanity, not for their wallets or egos. And a hero does not have to be famous. I think the bravest of heroes are the people who seek no attention and they just “be”. Does that make sense? Go down the list of first responders, health care workers, people in the military and everyday people who lend a hand with compassion often never receiving a thank you.
Last week, I flew to Boston to see one of my bestest friends who is not in a good place with her health. She beat throat cancer last year and is struggling to maintain her independence because of another health challenge. For the sake of confidentiality, I’ll call her Sheryl. When I walked into the VA hospital (yes, she is retired from the Navy), both of our faces lit up when our eyes met. We chatted and laughed reminiscing over our 40 year friendship. She got me out of a few conundrums in my younger years and we stood shoulder to shoulder supporting our friends through breakups, job losses and even death. I marveled how Sheryl stood silently strong as she was a stake in the ground for those she loved. She kept me on solid ground when my brother Tommy died which I will be forever grateful. Her journey inspired me to become sober over 10 years ago and I supported her through her own rehab. Now it is my turn to love her through this challenge. Sheryl is my hero and what’s on her plate can be overcome with tenacity and confidence in herself.
My point here is that heroes walk with us every day and we don’t need to follow the flamboyant and loud voices to find a hero. The ones with bravado often use that to cover up their insecurities but it’s our silent giants who bring the most substance and courage to our lives. Watch them closely and allow their brave energy into your soul. It will help to quiet the noise that seems to be in our space every day.
I ask you to pray for Sheryl and to align yourself with the quiet giants because that is where our inner peace resides.
Much love to you all,
Betsy Cerulo
Comments