HEROES

All day long I have been thinking about people I consider my heroes, and then John goes and writes a wonderful tribute to one of his heroes, Johnny Hart. My heroes have no fame nor even the desire to be recognized for anything besides being faithful.

FAYE became my hero the first time I walked into her lovely “Country Gentleman” home. I had not taken two steps inside her front door before she said, “Don’t touch the dust. I’m collecting.” She is a craftsman of pithy sayings.

IRENE became my hero when she demonstrated her “green toe.” Anyone visiting her home did not leave without adopting at least one plant and an armful of vegetables from her perfectly groomed garden. When showing us a 40-foot tree that just suddenly appeared in her yard, I told her I would appreciate knowing her secret soil formula and any hints on planting.
She found a seed in her lean-to greenhouse and brought it outside where I stood and said, “Watch this.” Without even bending, she scuffed the grassy area with the big toe of her well-worn oxford. When there was a patch of dirt about 4 inches square, she dropped the seed on the ground, kicked it into the bare spot, and maneuvered with her foot what little loose dirt was available, tapping it lightly with the ball of her foot. Then she looked up into my eyes, and with that permanent smile of hers said, “That’s all there is to it.” And, you know? I think she believes that.

GERALDINE is a painter..an artist kind of painter. She did not know she had the skill until someone talked her into trying it. ERMA is a quilter beyond belief. Her stitches are so perfect that the first thing I saw quilted by her, I really thought she had cheated by using a sewing machine.

My list could go forever. My talent? Don’t you ever forget this. My talent is appreciating others' talents. Don’t kid yourself; that is a very good talent to have.