Charlie Magdaleno: Blog

  Usually when we think of heroes, we either think of the "super" kind that can leap tall buildings in a single bound or have a sixth sense that alerts them when danger is near; or we think of the "regular" kind that show up on magazine covers and in interviews with Larry King and Oprah where they tell the same "incredible" story and answer the same "provocative" questions over and over again.

  However, there is a third kind of hero out there that, by definition, doesn't receive anywhere near the attention and recognition they deserve- the unsung hero.  There are countless unsung heroes throughout the entire world and within our communities- Not just in the police stations, and fire stations, and hospitals, and classrooms; but even right around the corner or in the bedroom down the hall.

The unsung hero is the mom who has never been late to pick up her children from school.

The unsung hero is the friend that helps you move- despite a lack of compensation in the forms of either money or beer.

The unsung hero is the one girl who, in all of her understated beauty, sits next to you in the cafeteria.

The unsung hero is the dad who has never missed a game, parent-teacher conference, back-to-school night, or awards ceremony.

The unsung hero is the bartender that gives you one "on the house" because the way you're staring at the grain in the bar says you could use it.

The unsung hero is the boy who, even when the girl of his dreams is throwing herself at him in a drunken or emotional  stupor, just gets her home safe.

The unsung hero is the friend that will just sit with you, for hours, in complete silence.

The unsung hero is the man who makes it right when you give him too much change with his receipt.

The unsung hero is the neighbor that will watch the kids and the dog so you can "take a weekend off."

The unsung hero is the teacher who takes the time to be a mentor.

The unsung hero is the human being who, even with their deepest desires and needs, will throw it all away for you; just to make you smile a little more and hurt a little less.

  The unsung hero, acts in the name of love, and even more so for the sake of it.  The unsung hero isn't one that is searching for praise or recognition or gratitude.  The unsung hero will never reveal the pain and the sacrifice they go through in service to those around them, no matter how much it kills them; because it's not about getting attention- it's about doing what's right, and doing what's more.  

  Most of the time, however, when these heroes make an effort in our lives, it is either taken completely for granted, or considered an unremarkable nicety.  

  I'm sure if you give it some thought, you can think of numerous unsung heroes in your life.  And if you do have some names and faces in mind, be it a family member, or friend, or even a relative stranger- do something to show your gratitude and appreciation for who they are, and what they mean to you.  

  And for those of you reading this that are unsung heroes yourself, consider this insignificant little blog entry from some random kid my expression of thanks for all that you do.  

I know that sometimes the good we do for others, which more-often-than-not can come at great personal expense, can hurt so badly and "do" so little it almost doesn't seem worth it.  

But believe me, it is.  

When people talk about humanity, about love, about the things and people in this world worth fighting for; they're talking about you.

So thanks.

Thanks for giving up your seat.

Thanks for letting the win go to the one who needs it more, not the one who wants it more.

Thanks for crying with us.

Thanks for putting up with us.

Thanks for waiting to make your plate last.

Thanks for restarting your vacation fund so the cat could get her allergy medicine.

Thanks for making the drive over, especially on two hours of sleep.

Thanks for not saying anything, like you said you wouldn't.

Thanks for showing up, and on time, like you said you would.

Thanks for staying up all night wrapping presents, even though you didn't end up getting one yourself.

Thanks for being "just" a friend, as much as it hurts sometimes.

Thanks for being.