by Blake Herzog
People are generally having a hard time agreeing about stuff lately. As the world becomes ever more complex and we process all the changes in different ways, it becomes harder than ever to find common ground.
But heroes are one thing that hasn’t changed too much over the years. They star in the only movies people can rouse themselves to go see at the theater anymore, and their real-life definition hasn’t really shifted, especially at the community level.
We admire those who devote most of their time to improving the lives of other people, whether they’re trapped in a burning building, children in a preschool classroom or seniors living with food insecurity. We love people who help animals and animals who help people.
So, one way we can join forces is to get behind the heroes in our communities. And they’re everywhere.
Hotbeds of heroes
If you or someone you love is going to school, you’re going to encounter a ton of heroes.
Teachers, when they fulfill their job requirements, are heroes almost by definition, prepping people to establish or strengthen their foothold in the world. Their dedication to their students is palpable and inspires them to spend long days molding them and dreaming with them about what they can accomplish.
Campuses are a place where many kinds of heroes converge to set students up for success — educators, counselors, food service workers, nurses, social workers, tutors and parents and guardians.
But there are plenty more to be found roving the Greater Prescott landscape.
They are bringing meals to the hungry through food banks, meal deliveries, community kitchens and events. They provide care and comfort in hospitals, hospices and clinics. They find homes for those who need one and repair others so their owners can continue living there.
Heroes respond to our crises and stand watch over our neighborhoods. Heroes are there to guide us away from bad situations and choices and provide better options.
They have our backs, and it helps us all if we have theirs, too.
Home of the brave
It takes courage to be a hero — whether you are a caregiver, a protector or a leader you’re putting your time and skill toward a problem you may not be able to solve, at least to the degree you hope to.
There’s a risk of disappointment whenever you take on a challenge, but heroes are the people who help others, as Stan Lee said, because it should or must be done, and it’s the right thing to do.
