More About Everyday Heroes

Sam (not his name) works at the local oil change franchise. He's been there a long time. My wife started going there in 1992 when she moved to Overland Park, KS and Sam was there then. Sam is a hero to me.

Sam works three jobs. He works full time days at the oil change place, nights at the Post Office and on weekends at a local BBQ franchise. Today I went in for an oil change and for the first time I saw Sam sitting. He told me that business was really slow and that they were just trying to keep the doors open.

Usually Sam is busy cleaning the restroom, sweeping the floor, waiting on customers, and/or helping the guys with the oil changing. He's always in motion normally. Maybe he moves a little slower of late because Sam also needs not one but two hip replacements. You can tell by the way he walks that he's in a lot of pain, yet he still has an ear-to-ear smile, a warm greeting and wants to know how the "Missus" is doing.

Sam is not only a hard worker but also a man of honor. For years he supported his ill wife and stayed married to her despite the marriage being beyond repair. Unlike some of our politicians and leaders who ditch their wives when they get sick or don't happen to be the Washington or corporate type, Sam stayed with her until she was well enough to be on her own. Then and only then did they divorce and Sam moved on by remarrying. He's very happy now and is looking forward to moving soon to Dallas to start a new life.

How many of us have that kind of integrity? How many of us would work three jobs to pay off debts and build a new life? I've never had to, but if faced with it, I don't know, as I would have it in me to take on that kind of load. Yet, there he is, year after year, shuffling around the shop keeping busy and smiling.

Sam is an everyday hero to me. He just keep plugging along like the Energizer Bunny. Nothing stops him from smiling. I want to be more like him. I think I know how.

Be Thankful

Sam looks to be thankful for each and everyday. I know he's thankful for his used car because he keeps it spotless. That tells a lot about somebody when they take care of what they've been blessed to have.

Be Cheerful
I've never seen Sam down. He's always got a smile and a kind word. We need more of that in this world right now.

Be Forgiving

I've had differences with Sam in the past. Though I was in the right at the time I handled it totally wrong. Sam never held it against me, and never mentions the situation. He has a forgiving nature and that goes a long way in my book. As a human I need a lot of forgiveness day in and day out from my fellow man.

Sam has taught me a lot by taking me back to the basics. Basics he probably learned as a child. Basics we all should have learned as a child. We just need to remember them and to start practicing them daily.