Heroes, heroes everywhere, and oh what a gift to celebrate them!

I had an email this morning from an amazing man. Sgt. John Langford is a member of the Calgary Police Service who continually inspires me. When I worked at the homeless shelter, John tirelessly fought to create a safe and welcoming place for homeless veterans. It’s because of John’s commitment to serving homeless Calgarians, and in particular vets, that The Madison, the apartment building I wrote about on Thursday, was created. A former military man, John worked with the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Government of Canada,  to ensure housing was made available for those who once served their country and then lost their way on the streets of Calgary. John has just returned from a year’s deployment as a special advisor in Afghanistan and wrote to me this morning to ask how could he help with Christmas at the Madison.

John Langford is a hero.

I only just recently came across her blog, and am so grateful I did. Lisa Bonchek Adams is an amazing and courageous woman. Five years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In October of this year she was told the cancer had metastasized to her bones. And Lisa fights on. She writes on her blog, Lisa Bonchek Adams, about “metastatic breast cancer, grief & loss, life and family” — and she touches hearts, opens minds and inspires all who read her to get real and be their most amazing self, to treasure every moment, to be vulnerable and open, to be present in the moment savouring every ounce of life you’re given.

Lisa Bonchek Adams is a hero.

Lisa Rosenberg is one of those people who never ceases to amaze me. Even though we only know each other in the ‘blogosphere’, when I needed support, Lisa was there with comforting words, sage advice and a willingness to simply hear me out.  Lisa and her family got through Superstorm Sandy only to lose their home to a fire in its aftermath. And still, Lisa writes and connects, shares her amazing spirit and awesome attitude so that others can be inspired and know, they are not alone. Lisa is a hero — and when you go visit her blog, make sure you scroll back through the posts to find out how this remarkable woman has kept herself and her family intact through a very difficult situation.

Lisa Rosenberg is a hero — as are all the people of Montclair who so willingly and lovingly helped Lisa and her family cope with the storm and the loss of their home.

All three of today’s heroes are examples of the power of community to make a difference. Yes, we can ‘do it alone’, but when we are supported by community, when we join together to help someone, we make an enormous difference, not just in that one situation, but in the world, for our willingness to be the caring hands that support someone in need, ripples out into the world and creates a wave of caring that doesn’t end.

All those who pitch in to help a friend, to take a meal to someone in distress, to offer a kind word, a caring hand are heroes.

And, because I like to share beauty and wonder, I am pasting in an amazingly beautiful video/song I found this week online.

Love is the New Religion (The Spiritual Conspiracy) -Brian Piergrossi