Who Do You Most Admire?

     At our house, a brief encounter with Otis, the fast-growing boxer mix that we fostered for a couple of weeks, was representative of conquering a lifetime of worry, hope, setbacks and advances, and the successful placement of Otis The Foster Dog was a life win that is far more significant than the obvious.

     If you know her story, you know that my baby girl had a series of seizures when she was four. For the next three years she took a medicine that slowed her development, made learning difficult and induced anxiety, fear and fatigue. We took her off the drug when she was 7, but it has taken a decade for her to make up what she lost in those early learning years.

     Just as her wise fifth-grade teachers assured us she would, “A” has become a successful, if unconventional, student. She’s not going to be valedictorian, STAR student or graduate with a 4.0, but I wouldn’t trade who she has become for anything, certainly not an honor cord.

     While so many of her friends are worrying about boys and who will be named to the homecoming court, “A” is rescuing abandoned animals, working at her dream job—a wonderful, busy kennel, and saving her earnings to avoid student loans next year. She’s all teenager, but she walks and speaks with a maturity that can't be measured by the Common Core or SAT.

     My girl’s first assignment of her senior year of high school was to complete an “About Me” questionnaire. One of the questions was to list the accomplish she is most proud of. Her answer? Rescuing her first dog, furry Roo, and finding a forever home for her. If I had answered the question for her, I would have mentioned her job or her participation in Student Leadership University this summer in our nation's Capitol. I mean, come on, she met Congressmen and the Chaplain of the Senate and toured the White House. But that's not her style. Her compassion for the literal underdog is a great picture of just how big her heart is, and I love it.

     She was also asked to name the person she most admired. She chose her manager, a man who made a series of bad decisions as a young person that netted some bad results. But this man has risen above them to become an expert in animal behavior and is the least pretentious, most genuine person “A” has encountered in the out-of-high school world. He’s a boss, a big brother and an uncle she respects and admires without judgment. She has met inspiring leaders, sat under the teaching of amazing youth pastors and read extensively, but "A" chose someone who inspires her daily with his heart and drive. Wow. 

     So, in keeping with my goal of aiming for inspiration, how would you answer those questions?

     What accomplishment are you most proud of? Why?

     Who is your hero, or who is the person you most admire?
     Now, I dare you to take it to the next level. Take time today to tell someone that he or she is a hero or that you admire them. It will make their day and yours.