the fireman.

the police officer.

the paramedic.

the surgeon.

all of these people are considered heroes; the people keeping the world on it's feet. and, really, they are. they serve and protect this world full of misfortune and danger - it's what they do.

but have you considered the everyday heroes; the people who didn't train for years to be on a force or work in a hospital?

they're all hidden in plain site.

have you considered the heroes you pass every day with a nod and a smile; the small grocery store owner who gives a struggling family their groceries for free; the couple who fosters and broken child in their loving arms; the little girl who gives her spending money to the women's pregnancy center for her AWANA project?

they're all heroes, too; the teen who skips a special event to visit his grandmother in the nursing home; the boy who sits next to someone who is sitting alone in the cafeteria; the man who shares his Bible with the homeless man in the park.

all these little things, the kind and gentle gestures, show the heart of a hero.

so, let's all appreciate not only the heroes saving lives, but the heroes showing kindness in our everyday lives.

-anika