I have been thinking a lot about heroes these past few days. Yesterday I spoke to the Veteran’s Health Administration in San Antonio, Texas. Their mission is to take care of our heroes, those men and women who have served their country in the armed forces. It was a privilege to speak to these dedicated servants and to encourage them to connect every day with the deepest purpose of their work – to make these heroes’ lives better through concern for their health and wellbeing. I shared with them that my father, grandfather, and husband all served in the military, so I have been the personal recipient of their caring for my loved ones. They are heroes caring for heroes!
Barbara at the Alamo
Then, I spent an afternoon at the Alamo, the legendary epitome of sacrifice for one’s country and beliefs. In 1836, fewer than 200 Texans and Tejanos held out for 13 days against Santa Anna’s army of several thousands. Legend holds that on the 8th day of the siege, with the possibility of additional help fading, Colonel Travis drew a line on the ground and asked any man wiling to stay and fight to step over –all except one did. As the defenders saw it, the Alamo was the key to the defense of Texas, and they were ready to give their lives rather than surrender to General Santa Anna. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against overwhelming odds—a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Of course this emotional experience brought so poignantly to my mind the sacrifices being made daily by our heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Barbara and Mary Sue in Cinderella's carriage in San Antonio
Finally, I had the joy of spending an evening with one of my personal heroes, Mary Sue Koontz Nelson. She is the most beautiful, lively, delightful, smart, talented and FUN person I know! At age 78, this is her comment when I asked permission to use her age:
“Oh Baby..it’s 79 in October and I IS STILL FEELIN’ FINE!!!
Could care less about age….AGE PLACES LIMITS–and I don’t want ANY limits..Never have..never will. If I want to go on a midnight cruise with a young man or even Bungee jump, I WILL. NO LIMITS EVER!!!!!”
The darling and delightful, unabashed Mary Sue in the chef's coat at Biga's on the Bay!
All the guys at La Margarita!
You can see the results of our “adventures in San Antonio” in the pictures; however, Mary Sue’s precious comment tells you exactly WHY she is one of my heroes! Let age never take our spirit away.
Who are YOUR heroes?
