I have been thinking a lot about my 101-year-old mother-in-law ever since she passed on September 18th. I was blessed to be one of those with her at the end and the last two weeks of her life. What constantly surprised all of us were the countless people she had an impact on in her everyday life. She truly was a quiet hero.
Those last two weeks we were told countless stories of how SHE was the person who always helped and got the job done. I can remember a few of those times, including when she was age 94 and 95 when she went on a mission trip to Haiti. Her job was to push a wheelchair bound paster around the boroughs of the city. At age 98 and 99, GG would take her walker, walk across the street to her church. She would clean up the reception area and wash the coffee cups, so the area was ready for the next event. She always did the quiet things someone always does without fail, simply because it needed to be done. We heard so many stories about her, so many random acts of kindness, and how appreciated she was by her friends and community.
I have been living in this area for several years now and I have noticed we have a few quiet heroes of our own. Look at Vernon Kohlbush, who directs school bus traffic everyday of the school year. His actions to stop oncoming traffic so the buses can start the safe trip home with our children and grandchildren is a true gift of kindness. Vernon also plays music and performs a variety of songs when asked for the senior citizens so they too can have a “rocking good time.”
Cathy Stiers is another person who freely gives of her time and talent to entertain the senior citizens of the community. I have known her for decades and she has always been a very talented performer. So thankful she uses her talents for the betterment of others.
Rosie Mundwiller has been posting really good pictures of events and things around town on Facebook. Some of her photos from the senior center are truly as funny as anything you would see professionally. The late, great Mike Langille was a treasure of talent with his photos of town and the surrounding area. What a blessing we were honored to be a part of. Mike was truly a man among men, who cared about this community.
Another treasure we have in our community is Robby Schwartz. If help is needed, Robby is there. He can be counted on to help direct traffic, put out cones at Casey’s for the River City Cruisers, cruise in events and provide personal help whenever needed. Our schools have also been fortunate to have Robby volunteer for school events whenever they are scheduled. He has given countless hours of service to our community whenever there is a need.
I know a few people who volunteer their time for causes near their hearts. Dennis Schiedegger, Tom Worland, Kenny Diebal, Duane Krattli all do occasional construction jobs for those in need, or who cannot do it themselves. There is a group of local guys called the Dream Team who can be counted on to help with projects around the church. They do the work many of us don’t want to do.
Others who serve are Dave and Barb Struttman, who volunteer to wash the school cafeteria dishes, pots and pans, one day a week during the school year. There are other unsung heroes who work the rest of the week as volunteers. Where would this world be without the community doing helpful things that are needed?
A community functions best when it has an army of quiet heroes. GG was the same. I am proud to have been her daughter’s husband for almost 50 years. I want to say thanks to everyone for your help making this community what it is. We are so blessed to have you and an army of quiet heroes among us.
