My Hero
My Week #15 Submission
After reading the incomparably funny and witty Phill’s headliner submission, I found myself wondering — Who is my hero?
I’ve had many heroes over the years. Of course when I was a kid there was Superman, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. I then moved on to the likes Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Chipper Jones.
But as I got older and began to realize that those guys lived in a different world than I did, my hero became my Papa. Charlie Joe Polk was my hero for as long as he was here on this earth. I idolized my grandfather. I wanted to be him in every way. I could sit and listen to him tell me stories for hours. And I’d give almost anything, to be able to watch one more Braves game with him. My Papa passed away on April 15, 2015.
Since then, I don’t know that I’ve really had a hero. And looking back now, I think that I probably needed one — as I stayed lost for the next few years, in a cloud of drugs and misconceptions.
And, I didn’t find another hero — my hero found me.
I was standing on the edge of a great abyss when she came to my rescue. I’d runoft to die, and my Sweetheart found me and brought me home. We’ll skip that story for now, as it is going to be my masterpiece.😉
The crazy thing is, I’d thought all along that I was her hero — that I’d saved her by marrying her, and whisking her away at 17. But I couldn’t have been more wrong, it’s her. She’s always been the hero.
She is a living example of selflessness, fortitude, and commitment. Her devotion to me and our family literally saved my life. There is absolutely nothing that she wouldn’t do for any one of us, and I count my blessings every time I look at her.
My Sweetheart is my biggest cheerleader. When I’m struggling she knows just what I need to hear, and how to deliver it in a way I’m unable to deny. And it isn’t just me, all three of our daughters worship their Mama. They look up to her and lean on her anytime it’s needed, and she’s always there for whatever the time calls for. Her loving compassion for us is a constant gift of renewable energy.
So thank you Phillip Slater, for choosing this prompt. I didn’t realize until this morning that I do indeed have a hero, and her name is Candis.
Thanks for reading! If you’re a writer, I hope this’ll inspire you to make your own submission!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it and clicking that ❤ button, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Oh and if you’re an email reader, just hit reply—I want to hear from you too! Who’s your hero?
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Here’s another one featuring my Sweetheart, from my blog. I post a personal essay, short story, or poem every Sunday — and would love to visit with you there as well. Happy Reading!🤠🤙



pretty sure this will be the most awesome thing I run across today. great pic, great read on your life and times. just, well, awesome!
Nothing like a soulmate who moonlights as a hero. Loved this, MJ. Hold onto her!