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A tribute to all the fearless warriors in our lives.

Heroes don’t die. They rest.
After giving us their very best, we keep them alive by striving to remember the work they did and follow their example.
Such is the case with Rosa Parks.
When she fell asleep in death on October 24, 2005, it caused all of us to realize how so much of what she started remains undone.
As influential as she was I didn’t know much about her.
But as her life was reflected upon the tv, it became plain to see how big a hero this humble warrior was.
Yes, I said a warrior.
She was a leader who knew how to say enough is enough when things weren’t turning out the way they should.
Mrs. Parks, in her quiet, soft spoken way, was not going to be one who turned away when she saw others were being mistreated.
And on that day—back in December 1, 1955—a simple test brought alive a moment when she said that no matter what her color, she had a right to her dignity.
On that day the little lady started a big war that wasn’t going away and is still enlisting soldiers today.
By sitting down she stood up for herself and bared her weapons of live and non-violence, showing she was never giving up.
And now she sleeps, yet we have been given our marching orders to keep the work she started going.
So we must report for duty.
I find it hard to believe that we say we respect such heroes when in the U.S. every nine seconds a woman like her is battered each day.
Yes, the world is failing the test of humanity, so you see why it’s so important to respect those like Mrs. Parks.
Age is a gift that many abuse, refusing to understand the privilege of becoming a mature woman or man.
Those around us that have been blessed to grow old should be told how much they mean to us, without feeling they have become a burden or tiresome load.
I think about my grandmother, Quattie Webb, and how even I’ve failed to always show her consideration—no matter how much I tell her I love her.
Yes, regardless how busy or important we think we are, it’s never too late to start doing what we know to be the right thing.
And as we proclaim ‘Let freedom ring’ may we believe that when all of us show mutual respect.
There is no way that we can expect anything less,
Because we will all be heroes.


© 11/06/05 C. A. Webb