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As some of you know, I have been in a sorority since my freshmen year of college. With things going online due to the pandemic this past semester, we started looking for new ways to focus on our friendships, even if it meant we could only see each other virtually. We implemented something called “hero journals.” One member writes a letter to another woman in the chapter and explains how they have impacted their life but does not mention who it is until the end of the letter. This idea got me thinking about who my hero would be, and I would like to share my thoughts with all of you.
Dear hero,
Since a young age, I have wanted to be just like you. You are easily the coolest person I know, and as I grow older, I realize how lucky I am to have such a strong relationship with you. I can come to you with anything and know that you will tell me not what I want to hear but what I need to hear. You are honest with me always and hold me to a high standard. When I hit rock bottom, you sat with me there, then pulled me back up.
Two years ago, I called you with tears running down my face after my academic advisor told me I would never be a nurse. You looked me in the eyes (well, over FaceTime) and reminded me of who I was. When I started to believe my advisor’s harsh words and lost faith in myself, you still believed in me.
Fast forward to two weeks ago on my drive back to Omaha. I was blasting old Taylor Swift when I had an unknown caller pop up. Typically, I never answer these calls, but I felt like I needed to take this one for some reason. My heart began to race, and my eyes welled up with tears when I heard, “Congratulations, Grace, you’ve been accepted into our accelerated nursing program.” I got off the phone, and Taylor was still playing in the background, specifically one of our favorites, “The Best Day.” It is a song about the ups and downs of growing up and having your momma through it all. I know God was reminding me that I did not do this on my own. You have been my rock throughout college, well, throughout my entire life (literally). I immediately called you. I think you may have been more excited than I was, which speaks volumes about who you are.
Again, as I grow older, I cannot help but want to be just like you one day. I often think about how you put your all into everything you do. Your work, community, friends, family, and faith all come before yourself. You encourage me and so many around you, and you never want or expect praise for all that you do. Well, my hero, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being the best example of strength and grace. Thank you for believing in me more than I believe in myself. Thank you for allowing me to make mistakes and being by my side throughout the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Now, after reading these (cheesy but true) words, you might know who my hero is, my incredible momma. I cannot thank you enough for, simply put, being my person and number one fan in life. I love ya lots, lady!!!
I encourage you all to uplift others in your life. Let your hero know why they mean so much to you.
