I am a big fan of old western movies. The really cheesy kind, where the settlers are surrounded and it seems all hope is lost until, just in time, the cavalry or the hero rides in and saves the day. I always want to stand up and cheer when that happens. I readily admit that sometimes I do just that.
Just like everyone else, I have witnessed real life heroes right here in our midsts. Just after Hurricane Helene blew through our area and left her trail of brokenness, I saw a photo that helped put my mind somewhat at ease. It was a photo of a long line of white utility bucket trucks heading our way. At that instant, I thought, “here come the heroes.” These heroes didn’t ride in on white horses, like the Lone Ranger and his trusty steed, “Silver.” They rode in on white trucks, instead. They weren’t the only heroes. We’ve seen heroes who have always been here. First responders, who readily put in long hours for the sake of safety in a very uncertain time. Another local hero, our Emergency Management Director, helped to lead a group of heroes who came to the rescue by clearing roads, delivering much needed supplies and providing a bit of comfort in a very uncomfortable situation. There were other heroes who endeavored to provide food and water, in spite of one who attempted to stop them, and the heroes who cleared those obstacles away.