Who do you see in the background of the picture ?
Behind my wife, you’ll notice another fabulous human being. All you see is her arm and a piece of her head.
But she’s a hero. An everyday hero. And she almost always goes unnoticed, just like this photo.
We hear a lot about heroes these days, especially during Covid-19. We should honor frontline workers like nurses and doctors, and I think we’ve done a decent job of thanking them through a plethora of media platforms.
But what about people like my sister? Who thanks them for having one of the hardest jobs on the planet and not getting paid a penny for it? Who thanks them for making sure their special needs child has everything they need to succeed? There’s a good chance Madison will be living at home for the rest of her life. How many parents are willing to make that kind of commitment?
Well, my sister is. Willingly and sacrificially.
Look, I don’t pretend to know what it’s like to be in my sister’s shoes.
I’m just a science fiction author looking for inspiration in my stories.
What I’ve come to realize is that my stories are about everyday heroes.
About parents like my sister, and about kids like Madison who deserve a fair shot at the American Dream.
Who are Everyday Heroes?
You know who you are!
With no cameras and little recognition, you get up everyday and fight your battles quietly.
You believe every human being has dignity and every person can make a difference in a dark and unjust world, in his or her own unique way.
You said no to abortion when the doctor gave you the prognosis that your unborn child will have Down Syndrome (as if that were a curse).
My sister said no. Without hesitation and with no regrets.
Now that’s a hero in my books. An everyday hero.
Which is why Madison and my sister inspire every story I write.
My new novel, Sanctuary 87, is about an everyday father trying to save his paralyzed son from being euthanized. It takes place in a dystopian future not too unlike our present time. I would love for you to read Sanctuary 87 when you have a chance! I think you’ll connect with the story in a deep and meaningful way.
By: Patrick Skelton