Real Life Heroes- Carolyn Carroll

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MODERN DAY HEROS-CAROLYN CARROLL “What is a hero? Who are your heroes?” That is a line from the movie THE GHOST AND MR. CHICKEN, starring Don Knotts. It is a family favorite in our household. The movie is comical and its representation of heroes, humorous. However, it is also a most accurate representation. We often think of heroes in the Ironman, Thor, or Wolverine kind of way. Realistically our heroes are men like Col. Allen West, Ronald Regan, George Washington, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King. However, we often miss the every day heroes, those who would be deemed the most unlikely heroes. Like Luther Heggs, (played by Don Knotts in THE GHOST AND MR. CHICKEN), many people are overlooked because of their personalities, fears, and background. Luther Heggs was afraid of his own shadow, yet there came a time when he had to step up and prove himself. He was tired of being the underdog. He was tired of living in the shadows. He was tired of people disrespecting him. The greatest of heroes step out of stressful, overwhelming situations and stand up and begin changing the world. Their name may not go down in the history books and they may not get a spot on Ellen’s show, but they change their world, or maybe it is our personal world that they change. That is the case with one of my heroes. Carolyn Carroll came into my life about nine years ago. I would have to write a book to relate all that has happened since then (maybe I will; hey, I feel a new book coming on). Maybe, Carolyn and I will write it together. Oh well, back to this post. I met her through one of my family members. Our friendship blossomed quickly. As the years, went by we learned more about each other and grew closer. I learned that this awesome woman overcame obstacles, endured trials, survived heartache, and bounced back from betrayals. So many times in life, the deck was stacked harshly against her. Yet she has been victorious throughout. For others, who have endured the same kind of life; bitterness, depression, anger, and self-pity would prevail. Not Carolyn-She is the most selfless, sacrificial, giving person I know. God even allowed this great lady to cheat death. She was run, completely, over by a hit and run driver a couple of years ago while walking across a parking lot . We sat at the hospital just praying she would survive, and she did, and as soon as possible was back serving and loving people. She truly saves lives, not just in her career as a paramedic, but as a friend and family member. True heroes are real life heroes. Fictional heroes have a super power like reading minds, xray vision, super strength, etc. Real life heroes possess qualities than enable them to bring joy and healing to others. For me, Carolyn has allowed me to be myself, instead of forcing me to live in the “preacher’s wife box”. She has loved me and been loyal through good times, bad times, trying times, and uncertain times. She has always stood up for me and I never have to worry about her letting people rip me apart behind my back. I have watched her care for elderly, dying, hurting, struggling, and difficult people. God has gifted her tremendously. I have seen people mistreat and use her. Yet, once she goes through her grieving, she stands even stronger, still exhibiting love. She has earned my gratitude, respect, and admiration. Carolyn is one of my heroes.