Can you believe it? Easter is here, which means the kids will enjoy their Easter break.
Or maybe their parents deserve an Easter break, though they’re usually too busy selflessly giving on behalf of their children to notice. And their little children don’t often fully appreciate everything their parents do for them either.
One example is a five-year-old who came home from school on the bus and noticed her dad pausing the work conference call he was on to ask his daughter how her day had been. The youngster quickly responded, “Shhh! Go back to work. I have a list of things I want you to buy me with the money you’re making.” It may be a while before this particular youngster will genuinely appreciate her father’s efforts.
After all, many heroes are only acknowledged years after their accomplishments. John Diefenbaker, the only Saskatchewan resident to become prime minister of Canada, was honored in 1969 at the unveiling of a bronze statue of himself. He said the honor bestowed among friends in his own province meant more to him than any others he had received.
A few years ago the Trans-Canada Highway from Regina to Moose Jaw was designated Saskatchewan’s Highway of Heroes, to honour fallen soldiers from the province, especially those involved in air training during the Second World War. Though often forgotten, these men and women will remain heroes forever.
Then there are those individuals who surprise many with their heroism. This was the case in the fall of 1984 when an aircraft departed from Edmonton for Grand Prairie, carrying ten passengers. Six did not survive, one of whom was Rachel Notley’s father, Grant Notley. One of the four survivors, a 27-year-old man, became the unlikely hero that day.
He was a petty criminal being flown to Grande Prairie to face a mischief charge. The RCMP officer seated beside him had opted to remove his charge’s handcuffs before the plane left Edmonton.
When the plane crashed into a snow-covered hillside near Slave Lake, the RCMP officer was trapped under the snow. It was his prisoner who dug him free with his bare hands, then helped the pilot and a politician get clear of the wreckage.
Immediately, the unlikely hero took charge, collecting fire wood to keep them warm, working the emergency beacon through the night, and keeping up the spirits of the men during their seventeen-hour wait before help arrived.
After the rescue, the charges against him were dropped, he received a commendation for his actions, and even made a television appearance. However, his fame was soon forgotten, and six years later, on a bitterly cold night, he left a hostel, and his frozen body wasn’t found until the spring. It was a sad ending, but I’m sure he will remain a hero in the hearts of the three survivors and their descendants.
One of the often forgotten heroes today also died a cruel death, and no one could find his body either, because it had disappeared from the grave where it had been buried. He appeared to his family and friends, scars and all. Today He, Jesus Christ, remains a hero, especially to all who acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior.
When it comes to being a hero, I think this quote applies: “True heroism is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”
Even so, it’s easy to take for granted everyday heroes who selflessly serve and give. For example a four-year-old asked his dad if they could get a kitten. His dad replied. “I’m allergic. We can’t be in the same house.” To which his son replied, “You could sleep outside.”
Read more by Joan on her page kindersleysocial.ca/webarchive/joan
