My Invisible Hero--Aimee

Each person has their own views on the definition and characteristics of a hero, since a hero can come in multiple shapes and sizes. My hero was never publicly acknowledged but only by those who knew her story. My invisible hero is my grandmother and this is her outstanding story. When I was young it seemed as though it was essential in her house, which is where my parents and I lived, to always overflow with the warmth of people. See, this was her super power! She was able to weave kindness and love into a string and attach it to people’s hearts. She would pull on them when she missed them, only to see them appear the next day at her front door. It wasn’t until later in life that I understood how she managed this so eloquently. To understand I must first tell you about her childhood … well lack there of. At the young age of thirteen she lost her mother who left her to care for her three younger siblings. Her burden became even more challenging once her father died a few years later. She dropped out of middle school to care for her siblings, mind you this was a different country which is why this was possible. During the course of her life she soon met my grandfather, who acceptingly opened his door to her and her siblings. As time progressed they created a family of their own, which includes seven children and two extra kids from my grandfather’s side. When she grew older she bought a local market. For the duration of time that owned the store, she would at times give out free food to those she knew could not afford it themselves. In doing so she became a beacon of hope to so many in her impoverished country. This is how she began utilizing her powers! With every good deed she pinned that unwithering string to people’s hearts. Soon after, the United States granted my grandmother and her family asylum when my grandfather was targeted for his education during their country's Civil War. Here she worked with the elderly and soon bought the house that I previously mentioned growing up in. The thing I remember most about her was her talented ability to cook. She made food like no other, which always had its unique signature taste. Although, she began to suffer once again when her eldest daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. My grandmother was forced to witness her daughter struggle though treatments knowing that there was nothing she could do to help relieve her pain. My Aunt survived but was once again diagnosed eight years later, but this time the cancer had reached its severity when it spread to her bones. The loss of her daughter induced my grandmother’s depression, which truly never left her. Despite all this pain she stilled managed to smile and lighten up our days with food and love. Today she is sadly no longer with us. She too fell victim to the same disease that took my aunt away from her. Till this day her absence has left an unfillable crater in the hearts of all of those who were given the privilege to be cherished by her love. Regardless of the bad experiences my grandmother endured, she always emerged with a smile and a sense of compassion. This is why she is my hero. Life dealt her a rough hand, yet she still made the best out of everyday and gave much more than she ever had. This powerful woman inspires me everyday to follow in her footsteps; to be kind to every soul I encounter and to smile even in hard times. Her daughters, including my mother, exude persistence and kindness which once shined through her. It always brings a smile to my face when I acknowledge the fact that her blood runs through my veins, which only augments the hope in me that one day I too can impact others the way she did. As for now I will aspire to one day become that one invisible hero to others just like my beloved grandmother is to me